The Birth of a Necklace

Many people have asked what inspires my jewelry. The answers are varied and sometimes complex, but I wanted to walk you through a recent creative process. I can't really say that this was a typical experience since every piece is so different, but it may give you a peek into what is involved in creating the jewelry I make...

It all started with this branch of pussy willows. They're so cute and pretty and such a welcome indication of the coming of spring. I was inspired to create an item of jewelry that was a nod to them.

I didn't want to try to recreate the pussy willows- just capture the essence of them. I immediately thought of smokey quartz for it's shimmery grey color.


I had in my collection some smokey quartz gem chips. I decided to make these into clusters.


Once I had a few clusters completed, I pulled out my beadboard to start experimenting with the layout of the design. I decided to pair the smokey quartz with pearls.

I came up with this link comprised of the quartz and pearls, and this became the basis of the eventual necklace.

This was the design I came up with. I was very happy with it, but I still thought maybe it needed something more.

So I tried to add more layers to make the piece more extravagant, but it just didn't seem right.

Eventually, I made some further modifications and ended up with a piece that was a little more simple and refined. I finally felt that the necklace had reached its full potential.

Each piece of jewelry I create is a little bit of an adventure. Sometimes I don't really know what the outcome will be when I begin, and other times I have a specific vision in mind before I begin. Part of the fun of making one-of-a-kind jewelry is that I'm never using the same pattern or formula over and over so I can really let my creative juices flow.
Thanks for stopping by!