After spending almost 20 years in steel fabrication, David Iler opened this stylish warehouse space to showcase his own exquisite handcrafted works alongside those of other inventive artisans.
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
Before getting into the jewelry biz, David Iler spent about five years building Portland’s KGON radio tower. He also played guitar in a heavy-metal hair band called—wait for it!—Alloy. “I’m all metal all the time!” he says.
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
Iler went bar hopping around town to determine the optimal height for his custom-made cases. “If you step up to a case you want to lean on it,” he explains.
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
Sarah Graham’s designs—such as these thorn-like earrings from her new Radiolarian line—are particularly popular with Portland shoppers.
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
Iler’s own jewelry is inspired by everything from Polynesian tattoos and Egyptian artifacts to a whimsical bubbler affixed to the walls at Alchemy.
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
One of Iler’s signature pieces: a sapphire and diamond pendant.
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
“They’re all very complementary in style and forms and materials,” says Iler of the designers carried at Alchemy (including Victor Velyan, whose cuff is pictured here), “but different as well.”
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Photograph by Lincoln Barbour
Behind the steel showroom walls, Iler maintains a full-service workshop, stocked with tools both old (e.g., a hand graver) and new (a laser welder).
