It began because I was trying to figure out what to do with pieces of my grandmother’s old jewelry that I’d held onto for decades — scraps of the forgotten excess of the Art Deco era that were too lovely to discard but too old- fashioned to wear. Eventually the pieces I created led to my little shop.
The daughter of a fine arts painter and an industrial designer, I’ve had a pretty eclectic upbringing, living for spells in Japan, France, India and England. My roots, however, are in California. Living overseas made me reflect on the lifestyle here — the angled light and sea air, the crumpled terrain and buried past – rusted, shuttered canneries, splintered gray piers and bleached Deco buildings.
I try to bring this breadth to the pieces I make. From my Southern California studio I recycle vintage jewelry found at second hand shops and flea markets and hand fashion each piece, combining Art Deco period brooches, vintage cuff links, shoe clips and other baubles with semi precious gems. Each piece is unique or very limited edition, and many can be worn with everything from a tank top to a cocktail or wedding dress.
