I came to jewelry design almost by accident: while on vacation in California, my youngest daughter came down with a cold and a fever. It was a cool, rainy week and I needed something to occupy my days in the hotel, so I found a local jewelry supply store, bought some findings and tools, and got started on a new path. After receiving many nice compliments on my designs (and being told I should sell them!) I decided I would. A local merchant and friend, Sonia Malloy, owner of Splurge Gifts in Greenwich, Connecticut, began carrying my collection, encouraged my efforts and even helped me to create and test new designs.

While jewelry for beauty’s sake is certainly a worthwhile pursuit, I felt that my efforts needed to contribute to a greater good, both in my community and in the lives of people who wear my designs. So, a cornerstone of my philosophy has become using the jewelry to help raise funds and awareness for the many, many charitable causes that make our world a better place. I began by donating pieces to local charity auctions. But in March, 2011, when a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, I was challenged to think of how my little jewelry business could help such a tragic situation. So, I created a ring. The ring was designed not only to raise money to send to Japan, but also to raise awareness of the plight the Japanese people were facing, and it was inspired by the Japanese flag, the Rising Sun. In the months since, more than 120 rings have been sold generating more than $3,000 in donations. Wow! The success of the effort grew into rings for the Greenwich Breast Caner Alliance and Save The Children, and there will be more to come! You can see all the rings here.