The Ingredients
When developing a recipe for our restaurant or for something I'm preparing for a meal at home, the key is in choosing the combination of ingredients that will create a memorable flavor. I strive for a flavor that excites the senses, one that you will remember and want to experience again and again. Designing exciting and memorable jewelry is just slightly different. The difference is that recipes are candy for the palate and jewelry is candy for the eye.

When I pick ingredients for a recipe I look for flavor, aroma and texture. When I choose my raw ingredients for my jewelry I look for color, size and shape. The closet in my "beading" room holds strand upon strand of gemstones in every color and shape you can imagine. The drawers are full of silver, clasps and drops. My ingredient inventory comes from every part of the world. I'm fortunate to live in Tucson, the home of the largest Gem Show in the world. In late January and early February dealers from India, Brazil, Thailand, Israel and many, many other countries descend on Tucson bringing millions of dollars in gemstones. For 2 weeks my every day is spent pouring over trays, picking what I believe are the most interesting, the most unusual for my jewelry. I am also fortunate that I have traveled to places where I could access gem dealers in there own backyard- Brazil, China, Thailand, Mexico, Hong Kong.

The Creative Process
Choosing the raw ingredients for jewelry is fun and not the hardest part of the business. I will admit that I still have strands that I bought 3 years ago and still haven't figured how to use them. The hardest part, and to be truthful the most fun, is deciding on what combinations of ingredients to put together to make a piece of jewelry that is going to be special to the owner and eye candy to the beholder. What is going to be the theme? What's the main color and with what accents? Silver or Gold? Subtle or Striking? I have my preferences, but it's the ultimate buyer/wearer that I must appeal to. Sometimes a combination comes to me in just a few minutes. Sometimes I struggle, but I never finish I piece of jewelry that I am not pleased with; jewelry that I am proud to have my name associated with and that I wouldn't wear myself. In fact, I've sold several pieces right off my neck.

Please look at the list of stores that carry my work. They are limited since I do every piece of jewelry myself. No other hands touch it. If there is not one near you please do not hesitate to e-mail me. I do custom work and photographs are easily e-mailed for approval.

Bon Appetit & Bon Jewelry

Donna Nordin