About the Artist As a child, I was drawn to vibrant colors. I had a habit of strolling through the neighborhood, perusing the neighbors' gardens, picking anything I liked. I would carry the flowers home and proudly present them to my parents. Their smiling reception was obviously a little reserved, as they explained that it wasn't right to take things from others, no matter how beautiful they looked to me. I didn't stop, of course. I still wanted all those flowers. They decided that the only solution was to plant a garden for me. In the fall of 2000, I returned home to New York after a number of years of living in New Orleans. There, I had worked as an apprentice for a family of jewelers who had worked in the craft for eight generations. During my time with them I was exposed to the intricate techniques of filigree and Etruscan design, and honed my skills at delicate metal work. This exciting working environment sparked a desire in me to apply these skills toward something of my own. My inspiration to create a line of jewelry came in the spring of 2002, when I happened past a gemstone store in New York. I walked in and found it impossible to leave. The colors, shapes, and textures of the stones mesmerized me. I wanted to take all of them home. With a small selection of beautiful stones that I bought that very day, I made a few pairs of earrings, and I realized I was onto something. I started telling my friends I was starting a jewelry line, and soon enough I really was. The work I do is very rewarding. I find constant enjoyment in the process of designing. My pieces are an exploration of color. My hope is that there will be something for everyone.