STONED BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY SPECIALIZES IN NECKLACES for both men and women,
as well as earrings, bracelets, and jewelry repair. “My favorite part about jewelry making is the stones. I really enjoy the beauty, the colors, with respect for our magnificent
Earth. I live for simplicity and truth, which I feel is uniquely displayed in my work. I only
use sterling silver components, and besides natural gems and minerals, I incorporate
other organic materials such as shells, pearls, antlers, leather, and wood. I have always
considered myself a ‘working man’s jeweler,’ bringing to the table authentic gem stones
at an affordable price. From turquoise, to peridot, to ruby, I pride myself in what is real.”
Sarah is especially inspired by Native American-styled turquoise, worn by her
parents during her childhood. “My mother had a simple strand of green turquoise that
was made with the traditional shell heishi that I had named her ‘love-beads.’ I was
so attracted to this piece, and after constant borrowing, she gave them to me when
I was 15. I have worn it almost every day since, and it has become the inspiration for
one of my most popular series, appropriately named The Love-beads Collection.” This
collection also happens to be her favorite. “It actually took me more than a decade of
jewelry making to realize that I was unintentionally making necklaces that were similar
to this one piece that I had been wearing since I was 15. Now I embrace this series in a
whole new light with a sincere thankfulness for who I am, from where I’ve come, and
how far I can go.”
The three main collections featured in her work are inspired by fond memories and
fascinations. “In The Love-beads Collection, you will see lots of turquoise mixed with
shell heishi, sterling silver feathers, and leather fringe. The love-beads collection has
become my spin on Native American-styled jewelry and is, without a doubt, my best
selling collection. The Mermaid Collection is inspired by the great Atlantic where I
spent my summers as a child with my sister. Here you will see my personal olive shell
collection turned into necklaces and earrings paired with gems, while incorporating
other shells like abalone and sundials. The Totally Stoned Collection stems from my
appreciation of gemstones. In this series, you will find solid stone creations that lend
themselves to being my most sophisticated collection, featuring aquamarine, green
garnet, kyanite, and other fine specimens.”
For Sarah, the greatest reward from all of her hard work is seeing others appreciate
her creations. “Through jewelry, we can embrace special people and times in our lives
as a token of remembrance. It is the best compliment to see folks enjoying my work.
It motivates me and drives me to keep going. The response I’ve gotten over the past
three years in Florence alone has encouraged me to take it to the next level.”
Looking back at how far she’s come in such a short amount of time, Sarah has no regrets.
“I’m most proud of my decision to try my talent full-time. I feel that many people never
fully embrace what they are good at doing. Out of fear, we stay in situations that are safe
because we have bills to pay. The pressures of life keep us contained and trapped in the
‘what ifs.’ I’m proud of the hard work I have put in, the dedication to make this happen,
and my willingness to jump.”
SHEMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL 2016
99