About
The Company
Authentic Alchemy literally means Real Magic. The company name came to me through a series of visioning sessions. I wanted to create a company that would provide objects people can wear or use to shift their moods. When I put on a Serenity necklace, it helps remind me of the serenity prayer and its importance in my life. The entire line was created to assist you in “making magic” in your own life with the items you choose.
Company origins
The 11th Step prayer in the AA Big Book reads, “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out.”
Practicing my 11th step while attending Interfaith seminary for two years, I found myself asking my Higher Power exactly what my right livelihood should be. I wanted to be of service and to feel joy upon waking every day, looking forward to my work. I kept seeing this jewelry in my meditative state, like a psychedelic hallucination. I’d laugh at myself and think, “I just can’t concentrate! I keep seeing jewelry, how silly.” Months later, I accepted that it was “God’s will for me” to design and create jewelry, wearable art and talismanic items to delight, inspire and help people on their path to recovery. When I wrap a prayer shawl around my shoulders, I feel held in God’s embrace all day. When I wear my Gratitude cuff, I am literally wearing my heart on my sleeve. And now, so can you.
About the Designer
Gwen Goldsmith is an actor, artist and ordained Interfaith minister who began recovering from the disease of addiction almost twenty years ago. After experiencing a spiritual awakening as a result of the 12 Steps, she began the process of discovering how to “carry the message to others and to practice these principles in all her affairs.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Gwen is the daughter of a Holocaust Survivor and is a first-generation American. Her life experience instilled in her an empathy for those in society who are persecuted, disenfranchised, stereotyped and marginalized.
Gwen Goldsmith has a special affinity for performing ritual, understanding the power of tangible objects in one’s spiritual practice. As a 12 Step sponsor, she often works with her sponsees to create keepsake objects (talismans) that will remind them of their work together. Much of that work informs the items for sale in this store.
Gwen Goldsmith resides in New Mexico, the “Land of Enchantment” and today draws inspiration from God in nature.
Gwen Goldsmith is happy to design One-Of-A-Kind pieces upon request.
Authentic Alchemy
Authentic Alchemy literally means Real Magic. The company name came to me through a series of visioning sessions. I wanted to create a company that would provide objects people can wear or use to shift their moods. When I put on a Serenity necklace, it helps remind me of the serenity prayer and its importance in my life. The entire line was created to assist you in “making magic” in your own life with the items you choose.