Our Mission and Process

The artistic mission of Saint Claude is to imbue everyday adornments with significance and history, pushing the wearer to see more than what meets the eye in ordinary objects.

We use the ancient lost-wax technique, cire-perdue, to sculpt and mold our designs from wax before casting them in precious metals. The pieces themselves represent the duality of beauty and darkness so often found in our beloved city.

Who We Are

Sarah Killen Ellman is the artist and designer behind Saint Claude, a New Orleans-based brand known for its unique and handcrafted designs. Originally drawn to welding and furniture-making, Sarah moved to New Orleans twenty years ago with a passion for working with her hands and creating tangible work.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, her creative path shifted. What began as a series of explorations evolved into a cohesive artistic vision—ultimately becoming Saint Claude. The jewelry line is named after a street in the Bywater neighborhood where her first studio was located.

Saint Claude represents the intersection of fine art, nature, and design. Each piece reflects Sarah’s commitment to storytelling through personal style and art.