A girl and her jewels…

Beginnings

As a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut; as an adolescent, a fashion designer. But as an adult, I just want to be left to my own devices. My rock exhibit's success in the Kindergarten science fair was surely an indicator of a future in jewelry. That, and having been a “shiny thing” hoarder from birth.

My professional gem journey officially began in Philadelphia in 2009 when I dabbled in beadwork as a therapeutic pastime. It was the whimsical construction of costume jewelry that laid the foundation for a future in finer work. With a B.A in Advertising and enough restaurant experience to write a best-seller on its horrors, I pivoted in my 20s and vowed to follow a sparklier dream.

With no MFA or fancy studio education, I’m an entirely self-taught metalsmith and designer. I credit a stint on Jeweler’s Row for a realistic taste of jeweling retail, and my absolute disdain for punching another’s clock for pushing me into entrepreneurship. Trial and error, failures and success, and the most supportive family in history have made it all possible.

Process

Design and fabrication occur simultaneously for me. I can’t sketch to save my life so I fabricate “shapes” and collage them with others to make my magic. (Sometimes, it’s not so magical.) Techniques include cold connection, traditional metalsmithing, chain making, gem setting, and most recently, lost wax casting. Each piece is designed and created by me in my Napa Valley studio.

You can find my work in “cool girl” boutiques, or popping up at art fairs and trade shows while I play dress up with fellow jewelry fanatics. Like any statement jeweler worth their pennyweight, my intent is to arm and empower wearers with sculptural originality.