About Jewelry By Gloria

I was always attracted to beauty as a young child, whether it was the bluest ocean, a painting, or women wearing stylish clothes. I think my mother was my greatest inspiration. As a young girl of 17, coming from a small city in Iowa, she traveled alone to Chicago, with hand-me-down clothes, and a homemade haircut, to make a new start. She remade herself into a remarkable, talented, and beautiful woman who loved jewelry. Some of her pieces are included in the Vintage/Fine Jewelry sections, ranging from the 1940s to the 1980s.

Early on in my career, I was deeply involved in the arts. My second teaching job was at one of the country's first magnets schools, named after Walt Disney. I was fortunate to work in a separate Communications Arts Center. I cross-functioned in teaching dance and drama, participating in set/stage design, elaborate face-painting, and creative writing.

When there were deep budget cuts in the school's arts programs, the course of my career took a dramatic change into the field of Communications. I currently work in public/media relations, crisis communications, reputation, and brand management. The last few years, which included four surgeries, have been challenging. That is when I knew that the best therapy would be to return to my love of the arts.

I wanted to use my hands and create wearable art that would be beautiful, practical, and make a statement. When I wasn't mobile, I started to design jewelry during long recovery times, using only precious and semi-precious stones. The only elements that I use that do not include genuine gemstones are Venetian and Czech Glass and Swarovski crystals.

I strive to create pieces that are both simple as well as eye-catching. Most importantly, all of my creations will stand the test of time. Classic pieces can be worn year after year and passed down from generation to generation.

My inspiration comes not from the outdoors or experiences in my life. Rather, they come from the stones' color, shapes, size, and texture. 

Each piece is hand-crafted with love and inspiration. There is something for everyone: from a young woman to a seasoned adult.

I recently created more than 100 new pieces and have arranged my website into seven different collections: The "Black Spinel, In Living Color, Black and White, Autumn, Seaside; Statement Pieces and Vintage Collections. Although the titles may sound seasonal, these are pieces that can work at any time of the year, whether going out for a special occasion or with a pair of jeans.

Each is piece is one-of-kind. Only a few Turquoise pieces have variations and are similar in design. Overall, the length of all the necklaces ranges from 15 ½ inches to 38 inches. Each piece includes a detailed description with length, carat weight (if applicable), type of clasp, and other "findings" with measurements right down to the length of the drop of a focal bead. (Of course, necklaces made from crystals or materials such as abalone and coral, do not have a carat weight.

In addition to necklaces, pendants, rings, and bracelets, you will find fine pieces made with precious, faceted gemstones and vintage jewelry, circa 1940s –1980s.

I hope you find something that inspires you and brings you the same joy that I had in creating them,

Gloria