ABOUT FRENCH OSTRICH
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 buttoned-up the next. From understated class to bold glamour, your style doesn’t fit into a box.
If you’re a woman who likes to mix it up, then you’ve found a home with French Ostrich. This is where eclectic rules the day. Here, you can love—and wear—it all.
Simple? Sometimes. Statement? Definitely. Totally out-of-the-box? Why not?! French Ostrich handcrafted jewelry ranges from simple to statement, and everything in between. I love to sometimes push the envelope with my creations; nothing is more gratifying than a woman daring to try something different that—when she looks in the mirror—results in a beautiful, glowing smile.
Each piece, from sustainable cork bracelets to one-of-a-kind necklaces, is crafted with a personal touch. You’ll find an unexpected mix of materials including sterling silver, solid pewter, brass and copper, hand-dyed silk, semi-precious stones, and cork. French Ostrich creations often blend whimsy and sophistication.
The Designer
I’m Valerie Taloni, the mostly-one-woman-show behind French Ostrich. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been drawn to creating with my hands, from art class in elementary school to my first jewelry-creating venture: a beading class more than three decades ago.
Given that change is a requisite in my life, I’ve had quite a varied career including teaching, sales, working in the corporate world, and owning three different businesses. I’ve recently retired from more than a decade of ghostwriting.
Creating jewelry was a random hobby for me over the course of thirty years. Six years ago, my jewelry worktable became my muse as I was ghostwriting nonfiction books—and it’s been my passion ever since. In fact, one of my designs was featured in Jewelry Affaire Magazine a few years ago.
I grew up in New England, though beautiful southwest Florida has been my home since 2004. I live with my husband and our two kitties, Louie and Gabi. When I’m not at my jewelry work table, I enjoy walking and working out, playing pickleball and a little golf, and tending to my tropical plants. And, I love to travel (especially to France).
Two of my life’s overarching passions are learning and change, which means that like you, I love to mix things up. This is why I’m not the typical jewelry designer with a singular style. My collections are ever-evolving. Mixed mediums are my toy box: I’ve made jewelry with metal, clay, wire, beads of every form, acrylic, leather, resin, silicone, oodles of found objects including vintage jewelry, and more.
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 visiting French Ostrich—I’m delighted to have you here!