top of page
_pn.png)
A Bit About Me
My childhood was spent on Florida's Gulf Coast, collecting sea shells and coral after our summer storms. I was raised to the manner born,* surrounded by jewels, costumes, and couture - all with a British accent. My mother's artistic talent has influenced my entire life - in my couture designs, interior decorating, art and painting, gardening, and now jewelry.
​
*Shakespeare's Hamlet said manner, meaning inherited talents. Manor is the incorrect but popular use today, meaning an aristocratic upbringing. But what can you do?
​
My Inspirations
Look at that turquoise!
My jewelry career began years ago when I saw a necklace of ancient coral made by Masha Archer. It was in a lucite display case at Saks 5th Avenue in Atlanta and it took my breath away. Masha is from a world renowned historic family of Ukrainian artists. Her patrons include European royalty, heads of state, media moguls, and international stars and philanthropists. She has become a mentor and guardian angel. Masha.org
​
My other idol is - naturally - Christopher English Walling, the premier jeweler in the world today. A childhood prodigy, his groundbreaking designs have influenced the international market for decades. If you can tear yourself away from gazing at his jewelry, read the blog interview from December 12, 2020. It's like an interview with Cellini! christopherwallingjewelry.com
​
Both designers have a style deeply rooted in their families' European aristocracies.
Expect The Exceptional
Like my two idols, I combine elements from around the world – baroque pearls, Bolivian emeralds, American turquoise, Mediterranean coral, Tibetan silver, Baltic amber, Chinese cinnabar, antique ivory – and many more gems. I design with new stones although I will occasionally adapt estate jewels and heirlooms, a practice well-known to the dynastic families of Europe.
And speaking of dynasties, Dr. Geza von Habsburg is the world's leading authority on Faberge jewelry and eggs. Archduke Geza of Austria, who has many hereditary titles, is a direct descendant of the rulers of the Habsburg Empire and is a fascinating lecturer on historic royal jewelry.
bottom of page