For more than four decades, Worden created complex and engaging jewelry that explored the personal and public dynamics that shape American culture. Her work, using found and reclaimed objects, was often humorous and sometimes challenging. Often responding to specific events in her own life, she touched on a wide range of subjects that reflected universal themes and resonated with a variety of audiences.  Her work has been exhibited internationally and is represented in many permanent collections of museums around the U.S. and Europe, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Seattle Art Museum; and the Tacoma Art Museum.

In addition to her jewelry, Worden curated and collaborated on numerous exhibitions, and taught several workshops for her peers as well as classes for middle and high school students in the Puget Sound region.