A few words about myself so that you know a little bit about where I’m coming from and who you are working with. I have been a custom jeweler and designer in Colorado for just over 20 years. I grew up off of Lake Winnebago, in the town of Neenah, Wisconsin, and am from a very large family; I am one of nine children. Even as a young child, I remember being keenly aware of the beauty of nature: it will forever inspire my creativity and is the foundation by which I create all of my jewelry. In 1975, I moved with my family to Colorado and a whole new world of beauty became my backyard.

I began my higher education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, and finished my studies in the arts at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a concentration in metalsmithing and an emphasis in jewelry rendering and enameling. After college, I interned with a master jeweler for two years and then started my own business in 1984.

Since that time, I have worked with some awesome people—and I believe it is because of them that I am as accomplished as I am today. In my world, one of the most important things is quality of workmanship. Because I love my work, I always strive to be the best that I can be. I am very excited about this patent design, and I believe it is unique in its own right. It really does speak for itself.

One of my greatest passions, other than my work, is my horses. They have been part of my world since I was very young, and I can’t imagine a day without them. They are my motivation, my inspiration, and, at times in my life, my salvation. I have been very blessed in this lifetime with a beautiful family and friends who have not only helped with this project, but also have given me the kind of support that helps make dreams come true. Without them, much of what I am and do would not have been possible.