Jewelry inspired me as a child but I never really made the connection to my family until recently. I found myself thinking back and remembered that when I was a kid I would visit my aunt's house and be fascinated by her jewelry box. She would take it off the top of the dresser and start telling me stories of the treasures that sat inside this beautiful box filled with her memories. She would then tell me stories about where she found her treasures. She would tell me all about her visits to far away places like Spain, Switzerland, and her homeland Italy.

Then she started teaching me about Indian bead weaving to keep me busy when she would babysit me. Next thing you know my mother decided to give me her collection of beads and I started using her vintage beads to make more jewelry items.

My father introduced me to natural gemstones by bringing me on small road trips to the Caves in upstate New York as a day trip. I was exposed to my first gemstones in this glorious way by learning all about their growth and to actually see where the stones where formed in nature. I think my fascination for gemstones began right then and there. They were sparkly, colorful, amazing pieces of mother nature down in these deep dark caves. I grew up in Brooklyn and this was just like a wonderland for me. So I guess I can thank my dad for introducing me to gemstones at an early age and now they are my obsession. When I now shop for gemstones I try to find the best of the lot. I never buy large lots. I love to pick the individual stones that speak to me.

For years I just made these things for myself because I love to create and loved jewelry. Then while in college I found a class called jewelry in education. It was an elective that I took while pursuing a degree in art education. Well by the end of the class I was asking the professor if I could take the class again. It was the only way I could continue creating and learning real jewelry making skills as opposed to just beading. After that class was over the teacher gave me my first tool and said you need to start making jewelry at home. That was the beginning of my jewelry making career.

During the same time one of my friends asked me where I got the earrings I was wearing. When I told her I made them she asked me if I would sell her a pair. I really hadn't thought about selling yet, just making it because I loved it. Well that was the next AHAA... moment! I realized that if I made it once I could make it again and didn't have to give up my prized personal piece. Then I realized I could make some money doing what I loved. I've been making and selling jewelry ever since! It brings me joy and the full circle is when I can make someone else happy at the same time. It feels complete.