A lifelong passion for jewelry and personal adornment led me to enroll in a metalsmithing and jewelry course at the Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, CT. By the end of my first class, I knew I had discovered my niche as an artist.

I've always been fascinated by the art and artifacts of ancient cultures, and I often draw inspiration from their design motifs and materials for my own work. I find the process of creating jewelry both meditative and extremely satisfying. And honestly, it just makes me happy.

Copper, silver, and gold are my preferred metals and I use simple hand tools and traditional metalworking techniques such as piercing, stamping, hammer texturing, and wirework to create my pieces. I’m especially drawn to richly colored stones—lapis, jade, turquoise, carnelian, amethyst, and amber are among my favorites. Pearls, shells, bone, and African trade beads also frequently appear in my designs adding texture and cultural depth to the work.

The majority of my pieces are limited-edition and one-of-a-kind and include hand fabricated ear wires, clasps, links, and connectors. Every piece is unique and individually crafted with great care and attention to detail.

One of the most satisfying aspects of creating jewelry for me is sharing it with people who appreciate the art and soul infused into a piece of jewelry that is made by hand. I feel honored to follow in the footsteps of artisans both past and present who share this same philosophy.

Thank you for your interest in my jewelry. I hope it inspires you to reflect on our deep connection to art and ancient cultures, and you find joy in wearing it for years to come.

~Laurie Rivera