If there is one thing a Leo knows, it's bling.  I've always loved jewelry! Anything and everything that sparkles catches my eye.

About three years ago, I decided that - as much as I loved jewelry - it might be fun to make some one-of-a-kind creations for myself. I bought some tools and materials, sat down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and discovered - very quickly - just how much I truly enjoy the whole artistic process of designing and creating jewelry.  So I bought more tools, gemstones and supplies, and am now completely obsessed. OBSESSED.     

With tremendous support from my daughter, Lauren, and sweet encouragement from my girlfriends, Lauren and I decided to give it a go.  Just as making jewelry is my passion, photography is hers, and she is very good at it. So, she offered to photograph my pieces and to list them online.  

Such endeavors tell a person a lot about themselves.  For example, I will put freshwater or Swarovski pearls into almost every design, sometimes in very unexpected ways.  I had no idea how much I loved pearls, but I do. They have become somewhat of a trademark of my designs!  Therefore - on January 23rd, 2011, we officially became a mother-daughter team and created an Etsy shop appropriately named Caffeinated Gems and Jewels.  We are constantly learning and evolving, but one thing remains the same ... our love for what we do - and our love and respect for each other!

I love to work with beautiful genuine gemstones and crystals, and - of course - pearls.  My very favorite thing to do is a custom piece, where I get to learn about someone and then, hopefully, express their personality in a piece of jewelry.  There is a country and western song, I believe, that says "some days are diamonds and some days are stones." In my line of work, both options can be good!