I have been making jewelry for close to 20 years. I have been an artist all my life, but when I discovered the wonderful world of gemstones it all began for me. The stones themselves were the incentive to create, and over time I have added many different materials to my jewelry line, always influenced by their beauty. I am very fortunate to have close friends who import art, beads and jewelry from Afghanistan. The exquisite materials play a significant role in my designs. My husband of over 30 years is from Iran and has brought back items that you see here in my jewelry. I have a graduate degree in ancient near eastern and Islamic art, have lived in Turkey and Iran and have worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musee Iran Bastan in Tehran, for the Special Office of the Shahbanu Farah Pahlavi and for the Oriental Institute at the U of Chicago here in Chicago. All of these experiences have molded my thoughts and ideas. My love of these is the spirit in the design of my jewelry.