Story

It all began when I was a little girl with a rock tumbler and a makeshift booth on the sidewalk, always designing, making and selling. This passion led me to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft in 1990. Instead of attending my graduation ceremony, I was literally on a plane heading to California to pursue my Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America. All along the way I gained life experience as a waitress, repairing jewelry, grading diamonds, and working retail, all in places including garages, strip malls, swanky retailers and high-rise skyscrapers.   

I started my own business in 1993, encouraged by my then boyfriend and now husband, working in spare bedrooms until I found my perfect studio space some 21 years ago on the corner of Grove Avenue and Rowland Street in The Fan district. As the years went on I had one very cool daughter, survived a nasty cancer, and designed and made lots of jewelry. Turns out it is a passion that won’t let go of me!  

My goal is to craft fine jewelry that is casual and very wearable. I love having one-on-one interactions and helping my clients find the most perfect piece for them, whether it’s an every day or signature piece. This connection and the satisfaction of creating with my hands are the joys of my career.  

I am honored to have won the award for best design four times at the annual VISART Craft and Design Show. And to my clients, I cannot thank you enough for your friendship, patronage, inspiration and referrals over the last 30 years and counting!

Obsessed with balance and checkers, here I am in a vintage dress with my table that I checkered by hand with a marker, c. 1980
First time exhibiting at the VISART show (with husband Rob) 1994
The early days of making jewelry, living in overalls and black polishing soot, c. 1996