Why Stones?

I've been a "rock hound" since childhood. I've always appreciated pretty rocks even before I knew the difference between plain old rocks and better-grade gemstones and crystals.

I went on to become a working artist who was employed nearly 30 years as a graphic designer in the advertising industry. I also paint, usually in acrylics and water color. The love of "stones" has definitely influenced my art.

Childhood rock collecting led to a serious vocation. One day I was shopping when I happened upon a display case full of necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry featuring tumbled stones and naturally-faceted crystals. Instantly, I was hooked for life. I couldn't wait to get started making my own jewelry.

Then, another happenstance. My husband Al and I stopped at our favorite Italian restaurant for lunch. A waitress admired my jewelry and kept returning to our table with her friends for closer inspection. They began asking if I had any of my jewelry for sale. I just happened to have a satchel full of jewelry that I was planning to show a friend in another city for her feedback and ideas for improvement. Before I knew it, the waitresses were thrusting $20 bills at me and begging to buy items. I hadn't felt my jewelry-making was refined enough to be offered for sale. Surprise! We left the restaurant that day with a tidy sum in our pockets — and our meals were free of charge. I then knew for sure I was not only ready but had found my niche.

As an artist, my appreciation of earth tones led naturally to my avid interest in designing jewelry that showcases what I think of as earth's greatest natural beauties, gemstones. Nowadays I buy stones and crystals directly from mines or people

who have ties to those direct sources. I also "rescue" gems and metals from second hand shops, pawn shops, antique stores and estate sales. Among my recent finds are rare circa 1941 faceted quartz crystals with inclusions and native American hand-worked turquoise heishi beads. My stock sells quickly and my inventory of raw material changes frequently — I never get tired of admiring new batches of stones.

I learned to make jewelry "on the job" through painstaking trial-and-error methods, by consulting books, by admiring the work of other skilled artists, and by constructing what I most enjoy wearing.

No matter what particular jewelry-making task I take on, I prefer to use authentic natural material. For strength, I use quality-graded twisted steel for the stringing. Depending on the intended use of particular pieces, I may use hand-knotted silk cord or waxed cord. I select the stones I love most: tumbled natural, undyed gemstones along with faceted beads for adding contrast. Unless requested by the customer, there are no cheap glass or plastic beads in my work. I also like to use wood beads (particularly olive wood from the Holy Land) as well as amber, shell, coral, and bone, all depending on availability. Many people cannot tell the difference at first glance between artificial, man-made items and authentic, high-quality stone or crystal. Everything I use is authentic. For example, I use real amber rather than artificial. Natural gemstones, minerals and other material have a completely distinct feel, weight, and luster or sheen. You can rest assured that my jewelry is created from authentic natural material unless otherwise requested.

I produce necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets. I also make a limited number of rosaries and other items for devotional use and / or wearing.

Customers appreciate my practice of passing along the 'lore and legend' of gemstones and their use over time, sometimes dating back to Biblical times.

Because my jewelry-making began as a hobby and remains a hobby, I work on a small scale and abhor going into "high production" — health concerns make that difficult or impossible.

My pricing method helps me afford the cost of replacing materials and gives me a modest profit. Prices fluctuate along with the ups and downs of the value of gold and sterling silver, which at the moment are costly and add to the amount I must receive to continue to remain in this hobby. However, I also enjoy making and wearing jewelry made out of inexpensive non-precious metals. In general, my products range in price from $20 to $150 but special requests calling for precious metal and hard-to-find stones can add to the final price. If you're interested in some of my custom creations, or would like something made especially for you, I can provide either a firm price or an estimate (in cases where I need to special order material). Send an e-mail to inquire about prices — I can usually work within almost anyone's budget. I check mail daily and give prompt replies. I ship to anywhere in the world based on your instructions; I recommend that you insure the shipments. My actual shipping costs are billed to the customer.

Like me, you may find yourself completely lost in the joy, awe and wonder of products derived from the forces of nature that create over a span of millions of years what we call simply "stones" or "rocks." Though I have been a "rock hound" since childhood, I'm still just as excited about it today, more than 50 years later.

If you're interested in earth history, tracing mankind's past, and wearing natural adornments, then you will discover that nothing beats objects from Mother Nature — she creates unmatched beauty!

By the way, most of us hate to wear things that are mass produced. If you like to show originality, wear jewelry that's one of a kind. Men and women both appreciate good jewelry. Gemstones, like snowflakes, are absolutely one of a kind. Complete originality is assured. When you wear objects that come from the earth, you know no one else in the universe is wearing anything exactly like it.

Now retired and facing physical challenges, I no longer live in the hustle of the 9 to 5 work- world. I purposely work slowly to ensure that I can continue to enjoy what I do. If you order something special, be patient and rest assured that I will create it just for you. Nothing leaves my workbench until I am satisfied with its quality and construction.

All pictures shown on this site are the sole property of the artist or her husband unless otherwise noted.

I create for sale jewelry items that are specifically requested by customers who express interest in particular materials. Specific items shown in photos here may not be available when you order.

Please send serious inquires only to pattw.harris@yahoo.com. I accept payment through Paypal or by USPS money order. Thank you for visiting. I hope you have enjoyed reviewing our site.

PRICE INFORMATION

Prices generally range from $20 to more than $150, depending on the cost of materials. I can ship at my direct cost anywhere in the world, but please do ask me for further information about shipping. All packages are promptly shipped. For more information, just drop me a line at pattw.harris@yahoo.com and I'll be happy to supply further information.