ABOUT FRENCH OSTRICH
Welcome to French Ostrich, where your style reigns supreme!
Do you enjoy rocking your little black dress as much as jeans and a tee? Or perhaps your style is a bit boho one day and classic the next. From understated to unusual, your style doesn’t fit into a box.
At French Ostrich, we celebrate your unique taste: Our handcrafted jewelry is for the woman who likes to mix it up, Here, you can love—and wear—it all.
Whether you’re drawn to simplicity, crave attention-grabbing pieces, or love to explore the unconventional, you’ll find something to express your individuality in our collections. From sustainable cork bracelets to one-of-a-kind necklaces, each piece is infused with personal flair and crafted with care
Expect the unexpected with our blend of materials, including sterling silver, pewter, brass, 14K gold filled, copper, hand-dyed silk, semi-precious stones, and of course, cork. Our creations marry whimsy with sophistication, offering a fresh perspective on modern jewelry.
The Designer
I’m Valerie Taloni, the mostly-one-woman-show steering the ship here at French Ostrich. Crafting with my hands has been a lifelong pursuit, from those early days in elementary school art classes to my first foray into jewelry-making over three decades ago. My career path has been an eclectic one, taking me through teaching, sales, corporate ventures, and even a decade of ghostwriting; during my years as a ghostwriter, making jewelry became my muse.
I grew up in New England, though beautiful southwest Florida has been my home since 2004. I live with my husband and our two feline companions, Louie and Gabi. When I’m not immersed in my jewelry making, you’ll find me walking and working out, playing pickleball and a little golf, and tending to my tropical plants. And, I love to travel (especially to France).
Driven by a passion for learning and an embrace of change, I thrive on mixing things up. That’s why French Ostrich isn’t your typical jewelry brand; our collections are ever-evolving, reflecting the rich tapestry of materials and techniques that inspire me every day.
Why French Ostrich?
It’s a question I hear often: “Why French Ostrich?”
In a nutshell, my admiration of all things French and my fascination with ostriches collided to form the name of my jewelry business. During my travels—years ago in Africa—I discovered one important fact about ostriches: they’re unpredictable. And, just like these majestic creatures, my creations carry an element of surprise, refusing to be confined to a singular style, reflecting my craving for learning and change.
French Ostrich Creations
At French Ostrich, my aim is simple: to bring joy to your life through my jewelry.
That means offering meticulously crafted pieces of the highest quality. I take great care in sourcing components from trusted suppliers across the globe. For instance, all of our cork cord is imported directly from Portugal, renowned for its world-leading cork products. Additionally, I’ve personally selected handmade sterling silver ear wires crafted in France. Other components are from Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey. Most of the metals I use are proudly manufactured and plated right here in the U.S.A., crafted by skilled artisans using nickel-free materials.
Thank you for being part of the French Ostrich journey. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of individuality and the joy of self-expression through timeless, handcrafted jewelry.