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Lisa Eisners St. Christopher Medal Isa Talismanfor Tasteful Travelers

Lisa Eisner’s Jewelry: A Saintly Talisman for the Modern Wanderer

In the sun-drenched hills of Los Angeles, where the air shimmers with the promise of adventure, Lisa Eisner crafts jewelry that feels like a bridge between the wild American West and the ethereal realms of spirituality. At 67, Eisner is not just a designer; she’s a storyteller, a collector of talismans, and a perpetual seeker whose pieces evoke the raw beauty of turquoise skies, ancient canyons, and the protective spirits that guide travelers. Her latest obsession? A reimagined St. Christopher medal, that age-old emblem of safe passage, now infused with her signature bohemian flair. This isn’t your grandmother’s religious relic; it’s a bold, oversized pendant that dangles like a promise from a chain of hammered gold, blending Catholic iconography with the rugged allure of Native American craftsmanship.

Eisner’s journey into jewelry design began decades ago, rooted in her Wyoming upbringing. Born and raised in Cheyenne, she grew up surrounded by the vast plains and the cultural tapestry of the American frontier. “I’ve always been drawn to things that carry meaning,” she says, her voice carrying the lilt of someone who’s spent years photographing cowboys and collecting artifacts from far-flung places. Her early career as a fashion editor at Mademoiselle and a photographer for publications like Vogue honed her eye for the eclectic. But it was in the 1990s, after moving to Los Angeles, that she began creating jewelry as an extension of her personal style—a mix of vintage Levi’s, turquoise rings stacked like geological strata, and belts adorned with concho buckles.

The St. Christopher medal, in particular, holds a special place in Eisner’s oeuvre. Traditionally, St. Christopher is depicted as a giant of a man carrying the Christ child across a raging river, symbolizing protection for those on the move—motorists, pilots, surfers, and anyone braving life’s uncertainties. Eisner’s version amplifies this narrative. Cast in 18-karat gold or sterling silver, the medal features the saint’s figure etched with intricate details: flowing robes that mimic the wind-swept dunes of the desert, and a staff that resembles a gnarled branch from a Joshua tree. Some pieces incorporate gemstones like lapis lazuli for the river’s depths or tiny diamonds to represent stars guiding the way. “It’s about invoking that sense of guardianship in a world that feels increasingly chaotic,” Eisner explains. “We’re all travelers now, whether we’re jetting across continents or just navigating daily life.”

What sets Eisner’s work apart is her commitment to ethical sourcing and handmade artistry. She collaborates with artisans in New Mexico and Arizona, drawing on Navajo and Hopi techniques to create pieces that feel alive with history. The medals are often customizable—one client requested a version with a hidden compartment for a lock of hair from a loved one, turning it into a personal amulet. Eisner herself wears a prototype around her neck, layered with other charms: a tiny gold horseshoe for luck, a feather for freedom, and a chunk of raw turquoise she found on a hike in Sedona. “Jewelry should tell your story,” she muses. “It’s not just adornment; it’s armor.”

Eisner’s designs have long attracted a cult following among Hollywood’s creative elite. Celebrities like Chloë Sevigny and Jared Leto have been spotted wearing her oversized cuffs and talismanic rings, which blend high fashion with a grounded, earthy vibe. But the St. Christopher medal taps into a broader cultural moment. In an era of global unrest, pandemics, and climate anxiety, there’s a resurgence of interest in protective symbols. From evil-eye bracelets to crystal pendants, people are seeking tangible reminders of resilience. Eisner sees this as part of a larger shift toward mindful consumption. “We’re moving away from fast fashion toward pieces with soul,” she says. Her medals, priced from $2,500 for silver versions to upwards of $10,000 for gold with custom engravings, are investments in that philosophy.

Delving deeper into her creative process, Eisner describes mornings spent in her Bel-Air studio, surrounded by mood boards of vintage photographs—images of Georgia O’Keeffe in the desert, shamans from indigenous tribes, and old Catholic icons from European cathedrals. She sketches designs by hand, often incorporating elements from her travels. A recent trip to Morocco inspired a series of medals with intricate filigree borders, evoking the patterns of Berber rugs. “Travel changes you,” she reflects. “And St. Christopher is the ultimate travel companion.” This fusion of influences creates jewelry that feels timeless yet utterly contemporary, appealing to a generation that values authenticity over ostentation.

Beyond the medals, Eisner’s broader collection includes belts woven with leather and semi-precious stones, earrings that dangle like dreamcatchers, and bracelets etched with astrological motifs. Each piece is imbued with a sense of ritual—Eisner encourages wearers to “charge” their jewelry under the full moon or with personal intentions. It’s this mystical undercurrent that elevates her work from mere accessories to wearable art. Critics have compared her aesthetic to that of designers like Irene Neuwirth or Pamela Love, but Eisner’s Western roots give her an edge, a rugged poetry that speaks to the soul of the American landscape.

As we sit in her garden, overlooking the Pacific, Eisner shares stories of clients who’ve found solace in her pieces. One woman, a frequent flyer plagued by anxiety, credits her St. Christopher medal with helping her through turbulent flights. Another, a musician on endless tours, wears it as a reminder of home. These anecdotes underscore the medal’s power not just as jewelry, but as a beacon of hope. In a world that often feels adrift, Eisner’s designs offer anchorage—a golden thread connecting the wearer to something greater.

Looking ahead, Eisner hints at expanding the line with variations inspired by other saints: St. Jude for lost causes, perhaps, or St. Francis for animal lovers. But for now, the St. Christopher medal stands as her magnum opus, a testament to the enduring human need for protection and wanderlust. “We all carry our burdens,” she says with a knowing smile. “Why not carry them with style?” In Eisner’s hands, a simple medal becomes a profound statement, inviting us all to embark on our journeys with a little more grace and a lot more grit.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/style/lisa-eisner-jewelry-st-christopher-medal.html ]