In my travels to far away horizons, I have collected “jewels” that are old, handmade, and beautiful.  Each piece tells a story of history, art and fashion.   Wandering the souks of Oman, amidst fragrant barrels of cardamon and coffee, I found my way to back corner stalls where I could barter for old Bedouin pieces of chain or silver beads.  In Ghana, the bead vendors found me, and enticed me to take a trip to Koforidua, a bead Mecca , where I could purchase European beads  hundreds of years old, and made for the African trade. Then in Lima, Peru, I bartered with Julio for hours, in Spanish, for newly hand cut semi precious stone beads, or very old shell beads he brought in a small bag. When you see, touch and wear one of my creations, you know it is more than a necklace; it is a testament to the irrepressible quest for beauty of adornment, present since time began.