What’s New

What’s New, November 9, 2026

My weekly newsletter is back — at least I think it is.

If you’re receiving this, it’s because you signed up for my seldom-published mailing list, which is automatically sent to subscribers when I update my site. For the next few months I’m going to try to update weekly. Wish me luck!

Silver Prices

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that the price of silver pretty much put me out of work for a while. I simply could not buy silver at market prices and then sell my work for enough money to cover my costs.

Silver prices are down a lot — $52.80/ounce today compared to a high of $121.30/ounce last January. I’ve been stocking up at the lower prices so if silver goes high again, it won’t put me out of work.

Silver Prices
Year-to-date silver prices per Yahoo! Finance.

New Jewelry

Silver Triangles
Fused fine silver triangle earrings with sterling silver ear wires.

Because a lot of folks are struggling with the economy, I’m mostly selling earrings and bracelets so that’s what I’ve been busy making. This includes new sizes of my popular spiral hoop earrings (in fine silver and copper), new fused fine silver triangle earrings, new fused silver oval rings earrings, and a new style of beaded bracelet that has less silver and is priced accordingly.

White Buffalo Wire.
A genuine white buffalo cabochon framed in sterling silver wire.

I’ve also made a bunch of new wire framed pendants. Most of these are made with smaller stones, but a few are larger. Because these have less silver — no back plate! — I can make and sell them for less money than the more complex bezel set pendants I’ve been making.

Turq Ring - Round 3ball side.
Hubei Turquoise bezel set in sterling silver.

Way back in December of last year, I began making rings in a Navajo-influenced style. Although I sold a bunch of them at art shows, I have six turquoise rings and one fire agate ring still available. I’ll likely start making new rings in December.

Classes

I’ve made some major changes to my studio, opening up a lot of space for classes. I can accommodate up to four students for project-based classes that last 2 to 3 hours and up to two students for a two-day silversmithing class. Although I have a video online that shows my studio setup, it’s now out of date; I need to make a new one to share here. Look for a link in a future newsletter. If you must look at the old video, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/WAC2lM8fefg

One of the biggest changes? I’ve update my torch setup to a Smith Little Torch with propane and oxygen.

Upcoming Art Shows

I’ll be appearing at Pybus Public Market on select weekends over the next two months. That’s where you can see much (but not all) of my work and talk to me about my processes and custom work. Here’s a Calendar of Upcoming Events.

Online Shop

I’ve nearly finished updating my online shop with new photos and descriptions of almost everything I have available for sale. The only thing you won’t find there are some of my beaded earring styles because of the nature of the beads, which don’t always look exactly the same. Due to an unfortunate incident with an online shopper, I’ve had to introduce new security measures to ensure that each purchase is legitimate and made by the cardholder. I don’t think this will slow down the processing time, however. I invite you to take a look at the shop and it’s different categories of jewelry — this is the best place to see images of everything that’s new, back in stock, and available for sale.

Bonus for Subscribers

Did you read this far! Thank you! And here’s a bonus for you: take 20% off any order of $100 or more between now and December 31. Use the promo code NEWS-THANKS at checkout.

November 2026 Classes Announced

Jewelry making classes this spring.

I’ve just updated my Event Calendar to add a bunch of jewelry making and silversmithing classes, as well as Open Studio dates for November 2026. You can find a description of these classes on my new Classes & Open Studio page and sign up in my Online Shop.

Classes will be held in my fully equipped home-based studio, a 12×24 foot space off my garage with climate controls, excellent lighting, and restroom facilities. I’ve created a video tour of this space so you can see what it’s like before you sign up.

Most classes are limited to four students, although my two-day silversmithing class is limited to just two students.

Pybus Public Market Dates

I’ve booked dates to sell my work at Wenatchee’s excellent local venue.

At Pybus
My space at Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee on October 23, 2026.

Back in 2018, I sold my first piece of jewelry at a day table at Pybus Public Market in downtown Wenatchee, WA. I’ve come a long way since then and, after speaking to another jeweler who still sells there, I’ve decided to come back one day a week for the days leading up to the Christmas holidays.

Generally speaking, I’ll be at a day table at Pybus Market on Fridays in October and Sundays in November and December. You can see an actual calendar of my appearances on my Event Calendar, which is also where you can find my schedule of Open Studio time and upcoming Jewelry Making Classes.

Spring 2026 Classes Announced

Jewelry making classes this spring.

I’ve just updated my Event Calendar to add a bunch of jewelry making and silversmithing classes, as well as Open Studio dates for Spring 2026. You can find a description of these classes on my new Classes page and sign up in my Online Shop.

Classes will be held in my fully equipped home-based studio, a 12×24 foot space off my garage with climate controls, excellent lighting, and restroom facilities. I’ve created a video tour of this space so you can see what it’s like before you sign up.

Most classes are limited to four students, although my two-day silversmithing class is limited to just two students.

Arizona Art Show List, Winter 2025/26

The Jury is in!

The jury is in and I’ve got my list of confirmed shows for this winter in Arizona:

I’ve been waitlisted for the following show. This does not surprise me because it’s a popular show and many artists come back year after year. Still, I’m hoping a jewelry artist backs out and makes room for me. I’ll update this post if they do.

Upcoming Show List

Two scheduled upcoming shows and two still in the jury process.

I was going to wait before posting this, but since one of my upcoming art show appearances is coming up next weekend, I thought it best to provide information about what’s on my calendar and what may (hopefully) be added soon.

Confirmed Shows

White Buffalo
I made this White Buffalo on sterling silver pendant yesterday as I build inventory for my upcoming shows. Shown here with a howlite and sterling silver necklace (available separately), I suspect it’ll be sold in Seattle next weekend.

These are shows that are confirmed.

• Best of the Northwest
November 7-9, 2025
Warren G. Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115

Contact me directly for free tickets to this show. I have a limited number of them, so first come, first served. Look for me in Row H.

• Wigwam Holiday Festival of the Arts
December 5-7, 2025
Wigwam Resort
300 E Wigwam Blvd
Litchfield Park, AZ

This is my first time at this show and my first show in Arizona since 2021. I’m thrilled to be back and I hope I see you there.

Shows Still Being Juried

Sterling Silver and Variscite Earrings
I premiered this new earring style at my last Leavenworth Village Art in the Park show in September. Textured sterling silver, they each have two or three bezel-set cabochons. This one is Variscite.

I only participate in juried art shows. That means that all artists must submit photos of their work to be judged before being accepted. The jury process also takes into account the number of artists in each category. Jewelry is tough; there are a lot of jeweler out there! I hope to make the cut for these two new (to me) Arizona shows in 2026.

• Cave Creek Fine Art & Wine Festival
January 9-11, 2026
7100 E Cave Creek Rd
Cave Creek, AZ

• Tubac Festival of the Arts
February 4-8, 2026
Downtown Tubac, AZ

Meet Janet LeRoy!

By the way, I’ll be doing all of the Arizona shows with my good friend Janet LeRoy, who has been making art for longer than the 30 years I’ve known her. You can see her work on her website; if you come to any of these Arizona shows, be sure to stop by her booth, too.

Latest Work Can Be Seen in My Online Shop

I’ve pretty much given up on trying to keep this website updated as I make new work.

Keum Boo Earrings
I’ve come up with a new style for the Keum Boo earrings I make and they’re perfect for autumn! These are fine silver with 24k gold fused onto the surface. Blackening the silver makes them pop!

I’ll admit it: I’ve pretty much given up on trying to keep this website updated as I make new work. It’s extremely time consuming to do and I’d much rather spend that time making or sketching out ideas for new jewelry.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that because my Square-based online shop is also my inventory system, I update that every time I add new items or remove items sold to wholesale clients or at jewelry shows. So you’ll find a much more up-to-date listing with details of everything new I make, usually within a week of completion.

Don’t know where to find my shop? Click here!

New Jewelry in My Shop, Week Ending April 18. 2025

I’ve been a busy girl!

I spent some time in my studio this week, in between various chores that needed doing. I got a lot done, including making a bunch of new pendants, finishing a pendant I’d started earlier in the year, and repairing a pendant that came back broken from consignment. (This is another reason I don’t like selling on consignment.) I also turned a fold-forming experiment into a pair of earrings. Here are the photos and details.

Kingman Turquoise on Sterling Silver Pendant

Kingman Turquoise in Sterling Silver Pendant

A pair of small Kingman Turquoise composite cabochons bezel-set on a texture sterling silver backplate. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Turquoise is an opaque, blue to green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Kingman turquoise was first mined by the Navajo people as far back as 600 AD. It appears in a variety of hues, from electric blue to nearly white. Natural cracks in the stone display a silver or black matrix and give Kingman turquoise its distinctive look. This Kingman turquoise has been processed by using a stabilizer and great pressure to form a solid stone from smaller pieces of turquoise. These stones were acquired at gem and mineral shows in Arizona.

Some believe that turquoise is associated with personal protection that can help ease old emotional wounds and chronic stress.

Moss Agate on Sterling Silver Pendant

Moss Agate Pendant

Round green moss agate cabochon double bezel set in sterling silver. A section of the backplate has been removed to allow light to shine through this translucent, crystalline stone. Setting measures 1.55 x 1.5 inches with an additional half in or so for the bail. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Moss agate is a mostly colorless translucent gemstone formed from silicon dioxide with inclusions of green hornblende (or chlorite) and iron. These oxidized minerals, which often appear in filament patterns, add green and/or reddish colors that can look like moss trapped in the stone. Despite its name, however, moss agate does not contain organic matter. Moss agate is found in India, China, and Russia, as well as in Colorado in the United States. This stone was acquired at a gem and mineral show in Arizona in 2022.

Some say that moss agate is a stone of abundance and has benefits for agricultural and financial pursuits. Agate is a birthstone for September and the zodiac sign Gemini.

Brazilian Agate on Sterling Silver Pendant

Brazilian Agate Pendant

Triangular shaped Brazilian agate cabochon prong-set in hand-textured sterling silver. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Brazilian Agate is a transparent or translucent agate with stripes and patterns in a variety of colors. It is formed in decomposed volcanic ash and basalt from the late Permian age up to 275 million years ago. Brazilian Agate is found in the Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Sao Paolo, and Minas Gerais areas of Brazil. This stone was acquired from an Ohio-based lapidary in 2019.

Some believe that Brazilian agate is brings protection, balances emotional and mental activity, and creates harmony between emotion and logic. It is thought to assist in maintaining good blood pressure and heart rate. It is also thought to be beneficial for constipation and minor injuries such as sprains or strains, cuts, and bruises.

Malachite on Sterling Silver Pendant

Malachite Pendant

Rectangular malachite cabochon with fascinating bubble pattern double bezel set in sterling silver. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of this shop to see what’s available.)

Malachite, which gets its color from copper, forms in rounded nodules, grape shapes, cone shapes, or as stalactites/stalagmites. When cut, it features a banding of layers with dark and light rings or stripes. It was popular with ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for jewelry and amulets as well as powdered as eye shadow. It is a soft stone that is sensitive to heat, acids, ammonia, and hot water. Malachite can be found in Zaire, Australia, Chile, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, as well as Arizona in the United States. This stone was acquired at a gem and mineral show in Arizona in 2025.

Some say malachite’s powers include protection, power, peace, love, and success in business. It is worn to detect impending danger and is the guardian stone of travelers. They say it promotes inner peace and hope and provides protection and security.

Chevron Amethyst in Sterling Silver Pendant

Chevron Amethyst Pendant

Teardrop shaped chevron amethyst cabochon framed in sterling silver. This pendant measures approximately 2″ long, including the bail, and 3/4 inches wide. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. The name comes from the ancient Greek word for “intoxicate,” a reference to the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness. Ancient Greeks wore amethyst and carved drinking vessels from it in the belief that it would prevent intoxication.

Chevron amethyst is a combination of amethyst and white quartz, blended in a V-striped or banded pattern. Some believe that chevron amethyst combines the strengthening and enhancing qualities of quartz with the stress relieving qualities of amethyst. Amethyst is the traditional birthstone for February.

Larimar in Sterling Silver Pendant

Larimar Pendant

A small, bright blue larimar cabochon framed in sterling silver. This pendant measures approximately 1 3/4″ tall (including the bail) and 3/4″ wide. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Larimar is the trade name for a rare blue variety of the silicate mineral pectolite found only in the Dominican Republic. Its coloration varies from various shades of blue to green, but is most often found as a vibrant light blue.

Some believe that Larimar is an emblem of all that is calm and clear in this world. Although it is considered a water stone infused with a sense of cleansing calm, it was actually formed volcanically. That marriage of molten fire meets the Caribbean Sea means that Larimar can cool hotheads and provide inner strength and courage to those in need.

Dendritic Opal in Sterling Silver Pendant

Dendritic Opal Pendant

A dendritic opal cabochon framed in sterling silver. This pendant measures approximately 2″ tall (including the bail) and 1″ wide. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Dendrite opal (also known as dendritic opal or moss opal) is a form of common opal that has dark tubular or orbicular inclusions called dendrites made of iron, manganese, or other metallic oxides. Dendritic plumes often look like mosses, ferns, or trees; good lapidaries cut dendrite opal to bring out these features. Opal is a birthstone for October and the zodiac sign Libra.

Opal is found primarily in Australia but can also be found in Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and Russia, as well as Idaho and Nevada in the United States.

Some say that opal has healing powers, brings good luck, reduces depression, and helps its wearer find true love. Dendrite opal is also believed to help wearers recover from difficult past lives and grow spiritually.

Kingman Turquoise with Bronze in Sterling Silver and Copper Pendant

Kingman Turquoise Pendant

A Kingman Turquoise with Bronze cabochon framed in sterling silver and copper. This pendant measures approximately 2 1/4 inches long, including the bail, and 3/4 inch wide. When purchased online, this pendant comes with an 18-inch sterling silver chain with lobster clasp. (Beaded necklaces shown in some images are sold separately; check the Necklaces section of my shop to see what’s available.)

Turquoise is an opaque, blue to green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Kingman turquoise was first mined by the Navajo people as far back as 600 AD. It appears in a variety of hues, from electric blue to nearly white. Natural cracks in the stone display a silver or black matrix and give Kingman turquoise its distinctive look. This Kingman turquoise has been processed by adding bronze with a stabilizer under great pressure to form a solid stone. This stone was purchased from a gemstone dealer in Arizona in 2022.

Some believe that turquoise is associated with personal protection that can help ease old emotional wounds and chronic stress.

Sterling Silver Leaf Earrings

Sterling Silver Leaf Earrings

Sterling silver leaf earrings made with the fold-forming process. Leaf is approximately 1 inch long. Highly polished for a sparkling shine. Sterling silver ear wires with a small rubber stopper (not shown) that can be used to help prevent loss while wearing.

This is a prototype and currently the only pair available. I may make more with the same or a similar design depending on how well this pair sells.

Buy Online and Save!

All of these items — and any others currently in inventory — are available in my online shop until sold. Click here to visit my shop.

Keep in mind that pendants sold on my online shop come with a sterling silver chain. Because of the high cost of doing art shows and the increased cost of silver, chains will no longer be included with pendants sold at art shows.

New Pendants in My Shop, Week Ending April 11, 2025

Two new wire-framed pendants have just hit the shop.

I was away for the past week or so but I brought along some materials to make pendants in the evenings. My day’s activities kept me pretty busy so I didn’t get much done. I did, however, finish these two:

Mookiate Jasper in Sterling Silver

Mookiate Jasper in Sterling Silver

When I was in Arizona this winter, I stocked up on some of the really colorful mookiate cabochons that I love. I’ll be tapping into this inventory to make new pendants for the rest of the year. This is what I finished last week.

Mookaite (or Moukaite) jasper is named for Mooka Station, the 700,000 acre sheep farm in Western Australia where it was first discovered. Like other jasper stones, Mookiate is a chalcedony and member of the quartz group. The broad patterns of red-browns and golds that sweep through it are actually finely-divided minerals such as clay and iron oxide.

Some say that mookaite carries an invigorating frequency of strength and vitality and increases life forces within the wearer’s body. It enables the wearer to utilize these positive energies to increase will and focus personal power.

Mojave Turquoise in Sterling Silver and Copper

Mojave Turquoise

Mojave Turquoise is a brand new stone to me and I bought a few cabochons in Arizona this winter. This is the first pendant I’ve made with this stone.

Turquoise is an opaque, blue to green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Mojave Turquoise is created by infusing natural Kingman turquoise with other metals and minerals, such as copper or bronze. This infusion results in a striking range of colors, including vibrant greens and blues, often with intricate matrix patterns. Kingman turquoise was first mined by the Navajo people as far back as 600 AD. It appears in a variety of hues, from electric blue to nearly white. Natural cracks in the stone display a silver or black matrix and give Kingman turquoise its distinctive look. This stone was purchased from a gemstone dealer in Arizona in 2025.

Some believe that turquoise is associated with personal protection that can help ease old emotional wounds and chronic stress.

Buy Online and Save!

Both of these pendants — and any others currently in inventory — are available in my online shop until sold. Click here to see all the pendants currently available for sale.

Keep in mind that pendants sold on my online shop come with a sterling silver chain. Because of the high cost of doing art shows and the increased cost of silver, chains will no longer be included with pendants sold at art shows.

Learn to Make a Pendant Like These!

I’m now offering classes in my studio to teach people how to make wire-framed pendants like these. Learn more here.

New Class: Making Wire-Framed Cabochon Pendants

Back by popular demand: wire-framed pendant classes.

Wire Framed Pendant

Wire Framed Pendant

Wire-framed Pendant

There’s wire wrap and then there’s wire framing. While wire wrap is often a heavy-handed technique popular for turning crystals into pendants, it often hides the stone from view, making the wire stand out more than the often beautiful stone it imprisons. Wire framing, in contrast, creates a custom frame out of square and half-round wire that fits the stone and holds it in place. The stone is the main attraction — as it should be!

Making Wire-Framed Cabochon Pendants remains, by far, my most popular class. I’ve taught it at gem and mineral shows in Quartzite AZ, at Gallery One in Ellensburg WA, and, of course, in my home studio before it was much of a studio. I stopped teaching it primarily because I’ve moved onto other techniques that involve soldering and bezel settings. But for folks who don’t want to use a torch, framing a cabochon is a great alternative.

In this class, you’ll start with a cabochon of your choice (or you can bring your own) and sterling silver or copper wire. With the use of hand tools, you’ll create a custom pendant. I’ll take you step by step through the process, creating my own pendant as you create yours. I’ll have plenty of examples to show you what’s possible.

Learn about class availability on my Event Calendar page. Reserve your spot in my online shop.

Class fee: $75 per person

Includes: 2-3 hours of hands-on training in my jewelry studio, a suitable quantity of sterling or copper wire, a gemstone cabochon, and use of tools and equipment.

Available for an additional fee: Sterling silver chains, kits including wire and cabochons for making your own pendants at home, and jewelry making tools.

Maximum Class Size: 4 people

Minimum age: 16 and older; attendees under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cancellation Policy: Once booked, you may cancel the class up to 7 days before the class start date. There is a $10 cancellation fee to cover the cost of refunding your payment; my credit card processor will not refund the credit card fees I pay. I cannot refund class fees if you cancel within 7 days of the class start date, so if you need to back out last minute, I highly recommend that you find someone to take your place. If I have to cancel the class for any reason, the full amount of your class fees will be refunded.