After graduating in 1976 from the University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry, I enjoyed a family dental practice for 35 years. While in dental school, I fostered an interest in precious metals during my clinical studies. After fabricating my wife’s wedding ring, a lifelong hobby of making jewelry and collecting gemstones followed. We moved to western North Carolina in 1976 where I have been encouraged and tutored by many artisans who were involved in a wide range of mediums. After retirement, my idle hands led me to my workbench. Most of my time is spent in my studio designing precious metal and gemstone jewelry by metal forming and lost wax casting. With my family’s encouragement, this is a senior’s start to a new career.