About French Ostrich
Wear What You Love
Some days call for a simple accent. Others demand a conversation starter. At French Ostrich, you’ll find both—and everything in between. Many of our customers love that our lightweight jewelry travels well and layers effortlessly. Whether you’re packing for a trip or dressing up a tee and jeans, you’ll find pieces here that express your ever-evolving style
Materials That Matter
We’re passionate about using high-quality, sustainable materials. Our cork jewelry is one of our bestsellers, made with premium cork cord imported from Portugal—a renewable, eco-conscious alternative to leather. Other components are hand-selected from trusted artisans in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and the U.S.
Meet the Designer
Hello! I’m Valerie Taloni, the founder, designer, and mostly-one-woman-show behind French Ostrich.
Jewelry-making has been part of my creative life for more than 30 years—but working with my hands started even earlier. As a kid growing up in New England, I was the one who couldn’t wait for art class. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from teaching and sales to corporate life and a decade-long ghostwriting career. Through it all, jewelry became my creative anchor—a way to play, experiment, and connect.
Today, I design and make each French Ostrich piece from my home studio in sunny Southwest Florida, where I live with my husband and Gabi, our long-haired black kitty. When I’m not immersed in jewelry, you’ll find me playing pickleball, working out at the gym, or tending to my tropical plants. I also travel every chance I get—either with my husband or with a group of girlfriends—which constantly inspires my work and the materials I seek out.
Why French Ostrich?
It’s a question I get a lot. The name is part admiration (of all things French), part fascination (with the unpredictable, elegant ostrich). On a trip to Africa years ago, I learned that ostriches do their own thing—they’re fast, a little odd, and impossible to ignore. That felt right. French Ostrich is all about unexpected combinations, individuality, and the freedom to evolve.
French Ostrich Creations
At French Ostrich, my goal is simple: to bring a little joy into your life through jewelry.
Each piece is thoughtfully made with high-quality components sourced from trusted suppliers around the world. Our cork cord comes directly from Portugal, known for producing the finest cork in the world. I’ve also handpicked unique elements from Morocco, Italy, France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Most of the metals I use are manufactured and plated in the U.S.A. by skilled artisans, using nickel-free materials.
Thanks for being part of the French Ostrich story. Here’s to celebrating individuality and self-expression—one piece of jewelry at a time.