Everything Happens for a Reason

A sketch of my first design: a silver ring.

It is funny to look back on life and see—in retrospect—how everything connects in order to lead you on your path. Personally, I never would have believed I would become a jewelry designer. And, yet… here I am.

As a child, I loved the arts. My creativity led me to experiment with various arts and crafts, but jewelry was the farthest thing from my mind. Growing up, my mother instilled in me an appreciation for fine jewelry, but with a very conservative taste that I never connected with creativity.

But then: my life path intersected with that of the former CEO of H. Stern, who introduced me to a new world… fine jewelry as art and fashion. I was able to visit the company’s factory, witness the design process, and experience a creative world I never imagined. And, I was hooked.

I signed up for classes at Atelier Rodolfo Penteado and studied jewelry design for several years. I love the memory of my first creation—a silver ring. I gave this special piece to a woman who worked for my parents and was very dear to me. Like her, that ring (pictured here) holds a special place in my heart.

Determined to establish my own collection, I took up sales of other people’s work in order to make money to purchase gold and gemstones. While sales were never my plan, life led me to that for a reason. First: to hone my understanding of business. And, second: to introduce me to special people who would become my clients, muses and champions. I am especially grateful to one woman, Patricia Rittes, who believed in me before anyone else and became my first client (today, both she and her daughter wear my designs!)

Several years later, I moved to New York and started all over (another story for another day and post!) But those early experiences and people have forever shaped my life. They’ve confirmed what I’ve believed since I was a child: Life is not unlike a soap opera… In the end, everything ties together and makes perfect sense. The people you meet may seem random, but they never are. And, sitting here and looking back, I am so grateful to each and every one of them. 

What Happened in Vegas (yes, I'm telling!)

I’m finally catching up after a fantastic Couture show… and what a wonderful week it was! This was my third year exhibiting at Couture and I love it more each time.

I, like most designers, spent the weeks before Couture in a rush of activity that lasted up until the moment the show opened. Then the energy of everyone involved merged to create an amazing sense of community throughout the days… and the evenings, events and parties!

I loved spending time with some special jeweler friends, like Marie Helene Morrow of Reinhold Jewelers. We, happily, met many wonderful people and were thrilled to open accounts with several new stores across the country, like Skibell Fine Jewelry in Dallas and Kathleen Dughi. I’m honored to have received such positive feedback to my designs. My large bracelets were a favorite... with one store placing an order after simply seeing my salesperson wearing one during lunch! 

 

So many people made our experience in Las Vegas special… last—but not least—my husband Fabio, who accompanied me to Sin City for the week. After the long days on the show floor, we enjoyed dinners together, relaxed, and it felt a little like home. Because no matter how much fun Couture may be, there’s no place like home.