The Urban Pearl Studio

 Artisan Pearl Wedding Jewelry

I was supposed to be a boy according to my dad and was going to be his hunting and fishing buddy, but instead, he got another girl. He loved the idea that I was always tagging along when he went to the basement to 'make sawdust' or went out to fix the sprinkler heads. I'm really blessed that he taught me so much about using my hands and understanding how things worked. Between inheriting my grandfather's engineer brain and my dad's hobby skills, I've never been afraid to get my hands dirty and just do it.

Multi Strand Pearl Necklace - Statement Keshi , Kyanite Box Clasp

The arts were a very important part of my childhood and thankfully my parents allowed me to follow that path. I started creating at such an early age and would make things from scrap, fiber, metal and wood.

I tackled building a chair, learned to sew (definitely not from my mother), taught myself how to make Ukrainian Easter eggs, and was making jeweled objects and ornaments all before I became a teen.

Coin Pearl Necklace - Statement Gray Coin Pearl Choker Necklace w Box Clasp

High School elective courses were all art based, graphics, printing (the old typesetting method) and wood shop.  Very unhappy when the core classes got in my way of the arts so I convinced the school system to allow me to create a curriculum to help accelerate students to graduate early and head to college. One of my funny life stories was explaining to my college professors that I had to take my final exams early so I could go graduate from high school.





So on to college and after a few very dull math and science classes I was finally allowed to enter my chosen path.

First on my checklist was the amazing jewelry lab where I chose to work in precious metals and gemstones.

Pastel Pink Chunky Bracelet with Chestnut Brown Animal Print Smoky Topaz

Starting from the raw basics of ancient jewelry methods to the most modern technology, I was very fortunate to have come away with information I would use for a lifetime.

I just hope someday to be able to design and afford a studio equipped with similar equipment.

Statement Multi Strand Pearl Necklace w Marta Howell Designer Blue Topaz Pendant

 After school, art was not an open field for a career at the time so as life does, it took me down another path.

The good news is, I am in such a wonderful place now that I am able to once again pursue my passion in the jewelry industry.

I've been selling on Etsy for four years and now have 3 Etsy shops and 1 Non Etsy E-Commerce websites.

 In the years of working with beads,findings,precious and semi precious stones, I have landed on pearls as my favorite material. Being the water baby that I am, my love of all things ocean, lake, river, pool and bath tub is what drew me to working with pearls. Pearls = weddings.

Asymetrical Baroque Peal Earrings

It never even dawned on me that I might be working with the likes of the TV created Bridezillas and luckily my experiences have been the exact opposite. I let them know right up front that my job is to take the stress of jewelry decisions and purchases away from them. Let me do the worrying and allow them to relax and enjoy the ride.

Multi Strand Sunny Yellow Pearl Necklace, Statement Quartz Box Clasp

It's been really fantastic getting to know some of these women and I thank them over and over for allowing me to be a part of their very special day. Hands down, I'm the lucky one!

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• www.beadznbling.etsy.com 
• www.texasbeadz.etsy.com