“Before Covid, I preferred seeing and feeling materials in person, but many of those NY stores have closed, so now I source online,” explains Thomas of the deadstock she upcycles. “After I run through stock of a material, I’m left with three decisions: source from another seller, modify the design or discontinue the style.”

“Yam is based in Long Island City, Queens and the majority of our production happens in-house or on the East Coast,” explains Thomas. “Castings are made in Manhattan and gold plating takes place in Rhode Island. All soldering, finishing and assembling is completed by me or my production assistant.”

“The vintage silhouettes are all mined from my childhood, like a spiral design that references a necklace my mom wore,” says Thomas. “I want my designs to spark a memory, like a scent that immediately snaps you back to a specific person or moment.”