I am a classically trained musician with a degree in music performance. But when I married my loving husband of 6 years I gave up studying music abroad. For a while I was lost. I wandered from job to job even starting up a few businesses, a wedding floral business and a web design business. I didn't find the happiness I was looking for, the joy that music had brought me, its transcending beauty and lasting value. Then I found gemstones.
I started as a hobby jewelry designer who wanted to used gems I couldn't afford. I made connections and started buying wholesale. But what to do with the leftovers? I decided to list them to make back some of my investment, all of you who are jewelry designers know how tough the competition is. I discovered I had a talent, an instinct really of what was going to be popular before it was. I always loved to barter and haggle. I research gems, trends, fashion, mines and political situations and make purchases.
I was doing well so I caught the eye of a few miner and manufacturers and soon was selling exclusive high end pieces.
Now I specialize in Oregon Sunstone, Opals and Star Ruby and Sapphires. I get to shop my Oregon Sunstones and Oregon Opals in person. I stock anything that either intrigues me, I just love to much I can't not have it, or that I know is a smart investment.
I do all my own photography, listings, shipping and buying.
A lot of what I do is gut feeling and being willing to take big risks. Some of what I do is people skills and networking. But why I love what I do is the customers. The designers I can help find the perfect stone, bead, briolette. The return customers who loved their gems so much they want more. The feedback of my customers falling as in love with my gems as I was when I picked the out. That is what keeps me coming back for more.