In St. Pete’s thriving arts community, jewelry designer Tiffany Elizabeth Elliott is turning personal adornment into something deeper: a mix of sustainability and community impact.
Elliott is the founder of TeeSankey Designs, a jewelry brand rooted in ethical craftsmanship and intentional design. The name itself carries personal meaning: Elliott’s initials form the “Tee” in TeeSankey.
Her passion for jewelry began long before the business.
“I’ve been making jewelry in different formats since I was a child, mainly out of recycled materials,” Elliott said.
At the time, becoming a professional jeweler didn’t even feel like an option.
“I didn’t see Black jewelers growing up, so it never occurred to me that being a jeweler was a career option,” she said.
Finding a path in St. Pete
After moving to St. Petersburg in 2014, Elliott discovered a jewelry program at Pinellas Technical College that helped turn her lifelong interest into a professional pursuit.
That training opened the door to metalsmithing and design, and eventually the creation of her own brand.
“I wanted to focus on personal adornment that could somehow create opportunities for children who may have had the same perception I used to have,” Elliott said.
Today, her work sits within the creative ecosystem of the Warehouse Arts District, where independent artists and makers continue shaping the city’s cultural identity.
Jewelry rooted in purpose
Elliott’s career in the nonprofit arts world heavily influences her approach to design.
She has spent much of her professional life working with arts organizations, and currently works with NOMADstudio, where she first volunteered, facilitating art programs for youth inside the juvenile detention center before becoming part of the team.
“I see my work with them as an extension of my art practice,” Elliott said. “I’ve learned how to facilitate trauma-informed creative engagements that aren’t strict about design outcome, but instead focus on the individual.”
That same philosophy guides TeeSankey Designs.
“An important component of my business is creating opportunities for kids residing in underserved areas to explore jewelry creation,” she said. “One, to expand their career possibilities but also to facilitate well-being through creativity.”
Justice collaboration rings
What you can buy from TeeSankey Designs
Visitors to the brand’s website can shop a range of handcrafted jewelry pieces and custom adornments designed and produced by Elliott herself.
The collections include earrings, necklaces, rings, grills, and waist beads, many made using recycled metals and responsibly sourced materials. Each purchase also helps fund jewelry workshops in underserved communities.
Some of the standout pieces available include:
Afrika Studs starting at $60
Blue Zircon Earrings are priced around $660
Baroque Pearl Scroll Earrings, beginning around $220
Ruby Cluster Threadless earrings around $190
Little Bug Necklace, currently discounted to about $140
Limited edition Golden Brown Waist Beads starting at $15
Moonstone and Dendritic Opal Waist Beads are priced around $38 with gold-filled and gemstone details
The brand also offers custom grillz made in sterling silver or gold, starting around $160 per tooth, depending on the material.
Another notable collaboration is the Justice Studio collection, which features rings designed by justice-involved youth and cast in sterling silver, an example of how Elliott merges jewelry design with community engagement.
Most pieces are handmade in-house and made to order, typically shipping within one to three weeks. Ready made designs available at @chihulystpete
Blending art, science, and luxury
Elliott is also expanding her expertise by working toward becoming a gemologist, something she says has opened a whole new dimension to her work.
“I am one class away, and I can’t stop talking about it,” she said.
Studying gemstones allows her to bring together the artistic and scientific sides of jewelry.
“Learning about gemstones is helping me merge art, luxury, and education,” Elliott said. “Allowing students and collectors to understand the science behind their adornments.”
For Elliott, jewelry is never just about aesthetics; It’s about connection as well.
“What sets me apart is my desire to collaborate with community,” she said. “Adornment isn’t just personal indulgence, but a vehicle for community, sustainability, and enduring impact.”
