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About the Artists…
Inspired by her weekend trips to Taxco, while studying at the Universidad Las Americas in Mexico City, Mexico, Shirlee went against her parents wishes and did a complete about face on the rest of her life. She dropped her study of psychology and turned to the love she had found in the artistry of jewelry design and creation.
Upon her return to her home state of Michigan, she began her career in the jewelry industry. She spent several years designing for major jewelry chains and manufacturers, while continuing her studies in gemology and design. The majority of her gemological studies being with the GIA. Her Master Jeweler certification was achieved through intense studies and “hands on” classes at the bench throughout the United States. The final missing piece in Shirlee’s journey to being able to follow her dream was meeting and marrying her soul mate, Tom.
Together, their love and respect of nature is evident in the innovative designs and use of unique materials. It has brought them numerous forms of awards and recognition. Their creations are achieved with a combined use of lost wax casting and fabrication. Primary metals are 14kt and 18kt, white and yellow gold, with an occasional hint of fine silver. The artistic creations are “one of a kind”, featuring fossils, minerals and fabulous gemstones.
Tom always says, “our best recognition is in the eyes of the beholder”…when he sees others get swept away by the flair and artistry Mother Nature used when she created the fabulous array of gem material and fossils we use. “Our desire is to design a container around these gifts from the earth, that will make it easier to enjoy them…wear them…and share them with others.” Shirlee says, “It never ceases to amaze me as to how exquisitely delicate or profoundly bold Mother Nature can do her paintings. Everyday that I begin, I know that there are more new treasures for us to behold and be able to work with. I guess that’s why we’re so lucky to not have any boundaries in what color…or texture…whether fossil, mineral or gemstone, that we can put together in our wearable art.”
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