About
Tess Davis Jewelry is (hand)made to create a sense of empowerment, connection, and protection for its wearer. Each piece of metal thoughtfully sculpted to serve as a unique amulet, marking the life experiences that led to its creation.
Timeless pieces made with love, from my hands to yours.
___
___
___
Originally from Northern Utah, Tess Davis Cheek moved to San Francisco in 2009 to attend the University of San Francisco, where she earned her BA. With a background in community organizing, social work, and fundraising, Tess has always sought to intertwine her creative practice with her commitment to social justice and community building.
Tess’s journey into jewelry design and fabrication began in 2016 with night classes at The Crucible in Oakland, later expanding her skills at Scintillant in San Francisco. By 2018, her passion for the craft led her to build her first private studio in East Oakland, where Tess Davis Jewelry (TDJ) was born. Now based on California’s Central Coast, Tess works from her private studio next to her home, where she resides with her family.
From the beginning, TDJ has been more than a jewelry brand. For Tess, it is a space where art and activism intersect. She is committed to using her craft to support grassroots efforts, raise awareness for critical causes, and foster community solidarity. This same commitment extends to her work at Hospitality House, where she has worked since 2013. Since 2017, she has played a key role in organizing THHE Auction, the organization’s annual fundraiser. The event features a live and silent auction showcasing the remarkable talents of artists from Hospitality House’s Community Arts Program alongside nationally and internationally recognized artists. Funds raised support six community programs that provide critical resources and services, reflecting Tess’s belief in the transformative power of art to inspire justice and change.
Tess’s connection to San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood remains strong. Through TDJ, she continues to support Hospitality House, a grassroots social justice organization that uplifts community members through direct services and creative programming. Tess also serves on the board of directors for ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization), which provides vital resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness on the Central Coast.
At its core, Tess’s work is grounded in the belief that creativity is a catalyst for change. Through TDJ, she strives to build meaningful relationships, strengthen her community, and contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate community.
Learn more about Hospitality House at www.hospitalityhouse.org & ECHO at www.echoshelter.org.
--