Jewelry for a Fragile Planet
Approximately ninety percent of the sterling silver used in my pieces comes from pre-produced sources (also known as reclaimed or recycled silver).
The silver is collected and refined down to its purest form, then forged into new, clean, sterling silver. Since the mining of new silver has a negative effect on the environment and the communities surrounding the silver mines, using pre-produced silver just makes sense.
A jeweler produces scrap. We just do. With my scrap, I melt it down, pour it into an ingot and roll it back out into sheet with my rolling mill. I can then reuse it in new pieces.
Handmade
As an artist, I want the terms 'handmade' and 'handcrafted' to mean something to my customers. It is my hands creating the pieces, not that of someone reproducing my designs in a large-scale production line. Making jewelry is a true passion of mine.
There are some components of my jewelry I purchase, as it is not feasible for me to try and make on my own. These include certain chains, clasps and other hardware/findings.
One-Of-A-Kind Pieces
The stones I use in my work are as important as the silversmithing. I am not a lapidary (not yet, anyway), meaning I do not cut my own stones. When I purchase my stones, often it is the first and last time I am ever able to find them. Pieces made with unique stones are one of a kind. I seek out people who cab their own stones on our travels, and at gem shows I try to buy from vendors who cut their own.
Other items you see here will be made more than once, but they would definitely be called limited productions.