I began designing jewelry 23 years ago as a way to satisfy my addictive passion for SPARKLE! I have been proudly producing individual “Artful Adornments”™ every since. My designs are affordable, unique and only produced from the best quality gemstones and materials. I order all my stones from lapidary sources I trust and have worked with for years. To keep my work affordable, I work using a proces
s called vermeil, which is the art of placing a layer of gold (18k to 24k) over silver or other materials. I rhodium plate all my silver work to assist it in keeping from tarnish. That said, all silver jewelry, even with vermeil or rhodium overlay, will need to eventually "dipped" in Goddard's silver dip to restore it to its original brilliance. The name of my studio is inspired by my travels. “Jolie” is french for beautiful, and I am deeply moved by the beauty in art, landscape, architecture, craftsmanship and many other refinements. I especially love things that redirect light, flash, shimmer and cause you to offer your first-born in exchange for them! I also love bright colors in the right proportions, and this is reflected in my work. Using a method I call “complement through contrast,” I often pair striking colors. My preference is not to blend, rather, I enjoy paring tertiary colors with their contrasting primaries. When I’m designing a piece, I often imagine that I am painting, only I’m doing so using gemstones rather than some other medium. This can best be seen in the piece displayed here on my page that is laying over the shell. It's title is "If I were Van Gogh." Each handcrafted piece has its own title & JGD registration number. Just like a painter, I never duplicate my work unless a specific commission requires it, e.g., wedding party's, mother/daughter commissions, or other special events. My work has been featured in various galleries and online curations, and custom orders are gladly entertained. However, because the materials in each piece are unique to its design, I usually decline the many requests I receive to "make one like this or that piece" as it were. Rather, I enjoy working closely with clients to produce designs that uniquely tell their own story. I want my clients to feel confident that they are buying a “wearable original," just as an original painting. No matter how many people admire it, comment on it or covet it, there is and can "be only one." Inquiries are gladly welcomed regarding hosting one of my Exclusive Viewing Events (EVEnings) or trunk shows at galleries or a private residence. I do travel for such events, so please feel free to message me regarding those details. All my work comes with a 3 year warranty as long as it is appropriately handled and cared for. All referrals are richly rewarded with delightful discounts, so please…spread the word! And remember…Everything Sparkles at Jolie Gem Design!!
