First I gather materials. These are typically one-of-a-kind handmade beads and pendants from small tribes in African and Asian nations. Each talisman, bead, rock, and gem is chosen for scarcity, quality, and meaning. Most gemstones I collect are hand-cut in India.

Using trusted books from my reference library, as well as my knowledge and practice of color theory, I edit the materials in order to tell the best story possible via one piece of meaningful jewelry.

I begin the process of connecting each bead to the next – some are strung on high-quality beading wire, some are hand-knotted onto hemp, silk, or nylon, others are wired and linked to one another by hand, via sterling silver wire. Oftentimes I must allow the organic nature of the beads guide my decisions.

Each piece of jewelry undergoes several checkpoints for symmetry, length, and execution of design. The end result must, above all, be wearable and secure.

It is my belief that I must honor the beads and their cultures; thorough research is a large part of my process. I employ hand-knotting techniques, construct my own clasps when called for, and add my own handmade elements to further authenticate the fact that each piece of jewelry I create is truly the world’s effort.