A Life Lived For Art Is Never A Life Wasted.....
Yes, I am quoting the singer/rapper Macklemore. When I heard him say this, I thought "yes!" That is exactly what I feel when I create.

I have always worked with some form of art. Beginning with art classes at the local museum as a child. Throwing pottery as a teenager, knitting, beading and now metalsmithing as an adult.

It is in my blood. I NEED to create, to take something from raw material and mold it, form it, solder it, make something wonderful!

I began making jewelry for friends. Just the beading, a little stamping, nothing too fancy. Then I realized, when I create these pieces, I want them to last. So I watched a few videos, read a lot of books and bought my first torch. I made sure that my jump rings were soldered, that my links were on secure. My pieces would last. But.....something happens when you work with fire...you want more. So I asked more questions, read more books and bought a BIGGER torch. Thirteen Gems was born!

I named my shop as a tribute to my children. Both were born on the 13th of the month, 26 months apart. A usually superstitious number became my lucky number! Hence, Thirteen Gems. I am also in the process of having my son apprentice with me. He has learned how to stamp, recycle silver and roll it into sheet. So far my daughter just loves having a mom who can make her any jewelry she wants.

I am always learning, moving, creating. I will never be done learning new skills. Currently, I am exploring ways to recycle silver (my amazing husband gifted me a rolling mill), I try to use the least invasive chemicals with my metals and use an eco-friendly etching system.

I feel truly lucky to have one of the most supportive husbands. He not only invests in my art, but he believes in it and encourages me to reach farther, to do more.