Jewelry is a reflection of the wearer's personality and unique to that individual.
Beej Jewels pieces are comprised of quality semi-precious gemstones, Baltic Amber , Watermelon tourmaline , hand-wrapped cabachons, Swarovski crystal, hand fabricated metal smithing artwork in Sterling Silver and Copper, and unusual components such as ostrich shell, rat snake vertebrae, fossils. I do not follow fashion or color trends but allow the gemstones and other components to dictate the path and inspiration of the design.
I am self-taught and started creating jewelry about six/seven years ago, reading books about rocks, minerals, gem stones, metal smithing, anything I could find (and afford!). Over the past few years I have broadened my metal smithing skills and look forward to learning , and challenging myself, even more. My dream is to someday pursue certification from the Gemologist Institute of America (GIA). SIGH, at this point it is still just a dream.
I am a full-time computer professional, wife, mother. Growing up in a steel mill town in Western Pennsylvania, I love thunderstorms, smell of freshly cut grass, and snuggling in for the night watching snow fall. While my children were young, worked full time and attended evening college classes for ten years earning a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Initial goal was to become an archeologist, or a National Geographic photographer. Hmmm, that didn't go as planned did it? Fossils and the Egyptian culture intrigue me. Before enrolling in college, earned a green belt in Tae Kwon Do.
As a young girl, I enjoyed making things by hand (crochet, knitting, needlepoint, hand-made tailored clothing, etc.) and still appreciate the sense of accomplishment after completing these projects.