A door of opportunity opened in 1976 when I was introduced, through a hobby and a neighbor, to an emerging San Francisco jewelry company. That began my ten-year experience and collaboration with Navarro Alternative’s David Navarro Potter and Beverly Miller.

The early design ideas of Navarro seemed intuitive to me. I felt connected to their concepts, quickly learning to convert David’s quirky models into sophisticated necklaces that were wearable, reproduceable, and marketable. As our relationship thrived, my creativity prospered. I became the studio lead; I had the trust and freedom to add new designs, techniques, and details to the Navarro line. It was an innovative and invigorating time! The company gained national recognition, appearing on both fashion runways and magazine covers. By the early 1980s, it was an amazing tribute to see my work, for Navarro, prominently displayed in many exclusive stores, including Nieman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and elegant boutiques, nationwide.

After ten years, I reached a ceiling; it became obvious there was no opportunity to grow within Navarro. I departed to pursue my own jewelry line, ’Jeweled Embellishments’. As the economy took a downturn, the allure of starting my own jewelry business faded. A few temp office jobs led to a steady 20-year office career. Spare time for jewelry vanished, in exchange for a decent check, benefits and a pension. Down in my conscience, the creative ideas never died. While biding my time, I continued to cart around an awkward and ridiculously heavy box of treasured beads for several decades; and I often use them today!

Now retired, and released from the curse of golden handcuffs, the passion to create has returned. A gift necklace for my amazing friend, the Prompter Queen, urged on by my husband, helped to get me started again, and I thank them both dearly. It is a joy having the time, patience, and resources to work again, in my own designs, at my own pace; no deadlines nor sweat. I feel fortunate to now call the California Southwest home, as the striking beauty of the surrounding deserts have further inspired my creativity, bringing embellishments back to Jeweled Embellishments.

Beads have been coveted jewelry, bringing joy and delight to wearers, from the cowry shell necklaces of the Neanderthals, tens of thousands of years ago, to an amazing array today. They are an integral part of the history of man. I am honored to be part of that tradition and hope my beaded adornments bring you joy and delight.