I've been a creator all of my life
I've always enjoyed working with my hands, transforming raw materials
into something unique and beautiful.
My work is an exploration of texture, shape and feeling.
How does it feel to the touch?
How does it feel on your body?
And, more importantly, how does it make you feel
when you see it or when you wear it?
I'm inspired by my lifelong love affair with art, music, architecture and fashion.
Using metals, chains, stones and leather, I experiment with form and eclectic compositions.
The materials each have their own characteristics
and I strive to challenge those properties and their common uses,
pushing the boundaries to discover unique and imaginative designs.
With every piece I make, I want to create a wearable work of art,
designed to be worn often and to bring joy to the wearer.
The Zola Story
Zola Jewelry began in 1997 when artist and designer Sharon McLean returned home from a summer spent studying sculpture at NYU in New York City. In her spare time, Sharon began designing some simple necklaces to wear to work. A local boutique owner in South Carolina saw Sharon wearing one of her designs and placed an order on the spot. Friends and family began commissioning pieces and Zola Jewelry was born!
Sharon's work has grown and taken many new directions. Employing mixed metals, leather, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, vintage and found items, her designs are influenced by nature and have an organic feel. She always strives to create unique, eclectic jewelry to wear everyday; jewelry that will make you happy and feel special every time you wear it. Using only the finest components, Sharon makes each piece by hand, one at at time, in her studio on Spring Street in Charleston, SC.
Sharon's work has grown and taken many new directions. Employing mixed metals, leather, semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, vintage and found items, her designs are influenced by nature and have an organic feel. She always strives to create unique, eclectic jewelry to wear everyday; jewelry that will make you happy and feel special every time you wear it. Using only the finest components, Sharon makes each piece by hand, one at at time, in her studio on Spring Street in Charleston, SC.