As a gemologist, I am quite passionate about gems and gemstones, of all shapes and sizes, as well as interesting jewelry! This passion is reflected in the variety of materials I incorporate into both my “Fashion” and “Fine” jewelry designs. I have to be able to handle and inspect any and all beads and gemstones before I purchase them, making sure they are in top quality condition and color. That being said, only quality gemstone beads and findings are selected.
“Fashion” jewelry is hand-crafted out of sterling silver, 14K gold-filled, copper, and/or various base-metals, utilizing gemstone beads and pearls. The more unusual the stone and shape, the more interesting (unique) the beads are. “Fashion” pieces include both the transparent gems such as amethyst, peridot, citrine, garnet, clear quartz, chalcedonies, and occasionally a few rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds. The opaque gemstones, such as tiger eye, lapis, malachite, jaspers, and some agates, are used extensively. Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, and seed beads are used as color and texture accents, along with wire-wrapped and textured metal beads.
All beaded “Fine” jewelry I design and create myself, using even higher quality beads than in the “Fashion” jewelry, where clarity and color become even more important factors in bead choice (reflected in cost). Designs, which require extensive bench jeweler’s skills, are crafted by master jewelers I work with one-on-one, utilizing gems I have personally selected or that you provide. These designs may utilize 14K, 18K, 22K gold, and/or platinum. The golds can be either yellow, white, or rose.
