Ebony and Redheart Floating Pearl Pendant

Sterling Silver hand-fabricated neckwire
Published in Art of Jewelry: Wood by Lark Books, Fall 2007

My design process begins with a few sketches and then I let the natural character of the wood lead me in new directions. By combining pearl and stone accents with shaped pieces of figured wood, an organic feel is emphasized in every piece. Sterling silver elements are then hand-forged to complement each pendant or pair of earrings.

Wood is a relatively new medium for me in terms of jewelry. Studio-trained as a gold and platinumsmith, I have made my living as a custom jewelry designer with an emphasis on custom wedding rings. My focus with precious metal jewelry lies in creating pieces with elegant, smooth lines that allow the visual characteristics of the metals to make as much of a statement as any stones or engraving. I count myself incredibly lucky that every day I find myself working with precious metals and, now, also with unbelievably gorgeous, one-of-a-kind woods!

Olympic Mountains Ring

sterling silver and merlin's gold

     As an artist, I want people to look at my pieces, to pick them up, play with them, enjoy the colors, the craftsmanship, the clean lines, to find a connection with the work that makes them smile and makes their day a little bit brighter. Including elements that spin, rotate, and change shape as you move them, my jewelry often combines whimsical features of motion with a simplicity of form and line inspired by nature.

The unique beauty of exotic hardwoods inspires my current line of jewelry. I search out hardwood remainders from cabinetmakers, instrument makers and other sources who otherwise would be sending them to the landfill or burning them as firewood. These pieces are just too spectacular for that! I delight in saving these scraps and reshaping them to bring out their amazing colors and patterns.

Perfect Layout Ultimate Frisbee Ring

18k white gold with palladium