SilverLilyJewelry

I have always had an appreciation for individual design and unique hand made items, having something not everyone else has which resulted in trying to make them myself. As a child I took delight in finding ways to wear my eye catching treasures found in my moms sewing stash or on the beach using my dads fishing wire and tools or a needle and thread. I have vivid memories of drawing and planning outfit ideas and attempting to explain them to my mom and grandmother who are both dressmakers (a very frustrating procedure, even then I would think if only I could make it myself!)
In my 20's I rediscovered a shop my Dad would take my Mom and I to when I was a child for buttons and beads and started making jewelry with sterling silver and gemstones, family and friends noticed my color combinations and designs and requested to buy pieces, since then I dreamed of having my own line of fine jewelry and clothing.

So after having our third child I decided to take the leap and opened my etsy shop so I could pursue designing and making the designs in my head paired with my treasured collection of gemstones and precious metal while still being there for my children and continuing my community work with immigrant families.

Living in our mass produced, generic designed world, I love knowing that the gems and precious metal I use are produced by nature that I then manipulate primarily through wire wrapping techniques into the designs that are in my head. Whenever possible I use recycled gold and silver in my pieces in hopes of better caring for our earth.

My design process varies with some pieces based on sketches and some more organic starting with the stones themselves.

When designing and making I am constantly inspired by Nature (Now living in scenic Nova Scotia provides plenty of inspiration), Travel, Fashion, Pop culture and my Indian heritage. Growing up as a first generation Canadian I didn't always appreciate my heritage and culture known for ornate detailing and bold color. As an adult I have accepted my rich heritage and like to think my pieces are infused with an Indian feel. (I have also begun designing a line of fusion contemporary clothing!)

Jewelry has always been a way to mark cherished moments in my life, and whether they are family heirlooms given to me by my mother and grandmother and loved ones or self purchases each piece evokes memories of love laughter and friendship that I wear everyday depending on how I'm feeling or what I'm wearing. I hope my designs can become part of other cherished collections full of memories of love, friendship and self achievement.