I was born in Ottawa, Canada, and have spent my youth beneath the brilliant Canadian skies and among the flora and fauna of the textured Canadian landscape.

Many of my summers were spent in the islands of Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.  It was on one of these desolate islands called “The Limestones”, that my passion for fossils and rocks began.  My childhood friend and I spent hours searching the island for precious treasures to be found there;  fossils, large quartz veins  and granite rocks.

Later, I entered Western Michigan University and majored in Spanish and minored in Geology .  My education helped direct and categorize my youthful interest in gems and collecting.

By 1977, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Brazil with an adventurous friend.  We journeyed to the mines in the interior of Brazil in pursuit of colored stones to purchase for our newly acquired limited partnership. The local miners seemed amazed to find two young blonde women from the U.S. wandering the wilds of Brazil in search of the ‘perfect gems’.  From there we continued our adventures to East coast Africa seeking fine Tsavorite Garnets, Zambian Emeralds and Umba River Rubies and Sapphires.

My quest for gemstones was put on hold as I married and raised my two wonderful children, Brice and Miller, in Northern California.   My  daughter, Miller, now has a  beautiful son which makes me a very happy Grandma!

As my children grew up and left for their own adventures, I rediscovered my simmering passion as a gem specialist and added to it a desire to design and create wearable art.

In my studio in Fairfax, California, I keep a rich palette of colors, textures and forms made up of gems, Venetian glass, gold, silver and discovered objects.  I draw from this deep source to create unique necklaces, bracelets, pendants and earrings.

The natural world is very inspiring to me and my designs reflect such colors as the ochre, sienna and deep reds in an autumn-displayed maple trees.  I am also constantly stimulated by the small worlds of color and depth my Pearls, Sapphires and Tanzanites contain.

It is my joy in life to discover that next new and exciting gem or fossil.  By creating my colorful jewelry pieces I feel that I am able to bring others into this experience and to give them something that they will find, as I do, continually changing and beautiful.