Your Questions, Answered

  • To keep your jewelry looking its best, avoid prolonged exposure to lotions, chemicals and moisture, especially salt water, hot springs, and similar mineral-rich environments. I recommend avoiding chemical jewelry cleaners or solvents, as they can strip natural patina from metal and damage certain gemstones. For cleaning, use a polishing cloth for metal shine, or gently clean with mild soap, water, and a soft or old toothbrush, then dry thoroughly. If your piece contains copper or brass, you may occasionally notice a green or dark oxidation line on your skin—this is a harmless reaction between the metal and your body’s natural oils and sweat, and varies from person to person. If desired, you can create a barrier by applying a skin-safe jewelry sealant or a thin layer of clear nail polish to the metal where it touches your skin. Your pieces are made to be worn—natural contact with your skin actually helps maintain their character—but remember they are still handcrafted objects, so wear them often, and care for them with intention.

  • I use high-quality metals sourced from reputable, environmentally conscious suppliers, prioritizing recycled and reclaimed materials whenever possible. My work primarily features sterling silver—much of which is recycled or reclaimed and reworked by hand in my studio—along with solid 10k and 14k gold made from 100% recycled gold. I also use 14k gold-filled metal, which is a thick, pressure-bonded layer of real 14k gold mechanically bonded to a core metal (typically jeweler’s brass). Unlike gold plating, gold-filled material contains significantly more real gold, making it much more durable, longer lasting, and resistant to wear with proper care. In addition, I work with copper and brass, which are traditional metals used throughout jewelry history for their warmth, strength, and natural patina development over time. Each metal is chosen intentionally for both longevity and character, allowing pieces to age naturally while maintaining structural integrity.

  • source stones through trusted lapidaries, small-scale stone cutters, and reputable suppliers who prioritize ethical practices and responsible sourcing whenever possible. I’m especially drawn to stones that carry natural character—unique inclusions, organic patterning, and evidence of their formation in the earth—rather than highly mass-processed or overly standardized material. Many of the stones I use are cut in small batches or sourced through relationships with individual cutters and family-run businesses, allowing for traceability and quality over volume. Whenever possible, I choose partners who are transparent about origin, mining practices, and environmental impact. Each stone is selected by hand for its structural integrity, longevity, and the story it carries, honoring the understanding that the earth begins the story, I shape the middle, and the wearer continues it.

  • I am committed to creating pieces that can be worn for a lifetime and passed down for generations, and I am always happy to evaluate and repair jewelry I have made whenever possible. Because each piece is handcrafted, repair needs can vary, and depending on the nature of the repair, there may be an additional cost for materials and labor. Replacement chains may incur a fee if the original purchase was more than six months ago, as material costs and availability can change over time. Please note that I do not offer repair services for jewelry made by other artists. If you need a repair, I encourage you to reach out—keeping meaningful pieces wearable is an important part of this work.

  • I occasionally accept custom projects depending on my current studio workload and production schedule. If you’re considering a custom piece, I encourage you to spend time becoming familiar with my design style and body of work, as I create within my own visual language and do not recreate or replicate other artists’ designs. Custom work is a collaborative and time-intensive process that requires additional design planning, sourcing, and communication, and pricing will reflect the extra time, materials, and one-of-a-kind nature of the finished piece. If you’re interested, you’re always welcome to reach out to start a conversation about what may be possible.