Handmade & Custom Artisan Jewelry

My great grandfather, Allan H. Davis, one of the founding fathers of Red Lodge, Montana, probably started this jeweler-gene in our family. He was a pioneer and brought his family across country from New York by covered wagon. He was the town’s jeweler, optician, and Post Master. Some of his tools have passed down to me, and from as far back as I can remember I have been drawn to unusual rocks and gemstones. I must’ve inherited his genes.

I began designing my own pieces in 1994, and set my first gemstone that Christmas. It was a 10pt diamond in a 14Kt gold floating heart setting; a friend commissioned it for his wife to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary. That marked the first time I really thought of myself as a Jeweler.

My ‘career’ has followed many different whims – ahem, I mean “paths”: setting gemstones, mounting pearls, bezel setting cabochons, stringing beads, bead weaving, macrame (hemp knotting), torch-work/soldering, wire-wrapping, hand forging (hammering) metal, and upcycling/recycling odds and ends pieces or vintage jewelry bits. I even tried my hand at casting – but, that was a long, long time ago. Through it all, what I have enjoyed the most is working with genuine gemstones (faceted, cabochon, or beads.) I have sources around the globe and enjoy browsing and buying stones that inspire me. (PSST – I think sometimes the gems tell me how they want to be set – but, that’s just between you and me!)

My all-time favorite thing to do is prong-setting gemstones. It takes patience, control, and steady hands to notch the prongs just right – each stone and each setting is different. But the result is sooo worth it! I love all things sparkly 😉 I also enjoy learning about gemstones; I am hoping, one day, to get my GIA certification.

I have done countless juried and non-juried Art Shows, Fairs, Christmas Bazaars, Town Festivals, and Home Parties. My work has been shown in Museums and Galleries around my home state, Florida. Now I am very happy to share my little corner of Etsy with you!

On a more personal note – my other ‘loves’ (besides jewelry) are spending time with my family; homeschooling our super-talented “special” daughter, and caring for our six fur-children: four delightful kitty cats, and two boisterous dogs. My hobbies include: music, theatre, and music theatre! For pictures of me in my all-time favorite role as May Henning in “The Affections of May” visit Amelia Community Theatre’s web site. I am a director; I’ve directed everything from musical ensembles to theatrical plays. I am also a percussionist, with the Marimba as my main instrument. And, together with my husband, we perform on Steel Drums (Pans) as “Steel Baroque.” Check out our music here: http://www.SteelBaroque.com