I am inspired by interesting and unusual materials and the organic beauty that exists in nature. Whether beach combing or rock hounding, making a connection to the natural world is the most important element in my jewelry. I design and fabricate each piece by hand, matching colors and shapes using shells, pearls and gemstones combined with gold and silver metals transforming elements that are meant to be together into timeless wearable works of art.
I have been making jewelry most of my life, starting as a child making necklaces from shells leading to 12 years ago when Abalone Queen Jewelry was conceptualized in Gualala Ca.. My desire to create led me to introductory metal smithing classes in Mendocino the summer of ’22, wanting to add an enhancement to my designs. I have since been teaching myself new techniques mostly by improvisation, experimentation and online tutorials.
The collection of Abalone Queen Jewelry represents a spiritual “Treasure” for me, a sort of quest in the discovery of knowledge, creative alchemy and what’s truly precious in the process.
theabalonequeen@yahoo.com
