Meet Your Jeweler: Joshua Mangelsen

The creative force behind Wild Hair Designs, is a Utah native with a lifelong passion for rocks, the outdoors, and hands-on craftsmanship. His journey into jewelry began in high school, where he fell in love with the craft during his first jewelry class. This hobby blossomed into a career when he began teaching the same class in 2018. For over 18 years, Joshua has been making jewelry, driven by his love for rocks and minerals. He finds and cuts all the stones used in his pieces, primarily working with silver alloys, gems, minerals, and fossils. Occasionally, he diversifies his creations by cleaning skulls, casting organic objects, and using natural materials like gold alloys.Joshua's art is deeply rooted in an appreciation for nature's wonders. Every piece he creates is unique, made from self-sourced materials. His silversmithing skills, developed over 18 years, allow him to pour his soul into each piece. His work spans various disciplines, including archaeology, ecology, mineralogy, metallurgy, and paleontology. Constantly learning and experimenting, he excels in lapidary work and various casting methods. Joshua Mangelsen's jewelry, crafted using time-tested techniques, is designed to last for generations. His art is a testament to his dedication to the natural world and his skill as a silversmith.