Foreste + Hils Designworks was founded in 1999 by Barbara Edelston Peterson, Chief Designer and CEO. The studio is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, however our growth  internationally warrants extended periods of time designing and selling remotely. During the first decade, we designed only one-of-a-kind jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Extraodinary styles related in special ways, and came to be known as distinct Collections: Medicine Woman, Signature, Hanalei Pearls, Wilderness Stones, Namaste Gems, Maya.

Barbara’s mix of elements and color commands appeal for casual and elegant styles. In the jewelry and hair accessories, exceptional tones and cuts of turquoise, unusual Tibetan sterling silver and 22k gold, sparkling emeralds, rubies, sapphires, rough diamonds, agate, opals, lustrous pearls, and delicately faceted semi-precious gems: peridot, citrine, amethyst, carnelian, and garnet pervade her work. Our work naturally evolved to include re-designing others’ heirloom or unworn jewelry. We are now pleased to introduced a separate arm of the business: Re-Foreste + Hils Designworks! We encourage people from all over the world to bring or send us their treasures to sustain the sentiment and love of their jewelry forever!  

After a decade of designing only jewelry, we expanded our product line to include hair accessories, swimwear,  notecards, paper and cloth napkins, and the newest endeavor under the label “Rufcolors” includes hand-painted jeans, shoes, eyeglasses, and #BlessedDress--Barbara’s Life Blessing written on dresses, shirts, and dress pants.