HOW DID YOU LEARN JEWELRY-MAKING?
I first found out about Precious Metal Clay from browsing through Etsy, I noticed that a lot of the jewelry I liked was made from it, so I did some research and joined a class in New York City. I then took a class at the School of Visual Arts which taught me how to solder and that really helped to propel my work and opened up lots of different avenues for me to experiment with. Since then, if I see something I like the look of, I’ll research how to make it through YouTube, magazines and books.
WHAT STYLE OF JEWELRY DO YOU MAKE?
My bestsellers on Etsy are cufflinks, be that handprint jewelry cufflinks, or personalized cufflinks for weddings or special occasions. I was recently asked to create a pair of cufflinks for a 25th wedding anniversary and it’s times like that, when I can make an impact in people’s lives, that makes me want to create. I enjoy knowing that my jewelry is being given to people to commemorate special times.
I am also asked to create handprint jewelry for people that have lost their children and all they have is handprint to remember their children by. This is so special to me, that someone has entrusted their memories with me and that I can create something that will be with them forever as a constant reminder. My finished products connect me with my clients, crafting bespoke one-of-a-kind jewelry tied to the bonds between giver and recipient. It’s the greatest feeling in the world.