Here, from the person who makes it. Every piece in this collection is handmade by me in my Denver studio, and every piece is built once: when it sells, it's gone.

I use pearls in almost every design because I like the way the smooth luster contrasts with the sharp sparkling facets of the gemstones. A traditional strand of pearls seems too precious and old-fashioned to me, so I work pearls into my gemstone clusters and into the body of the design instead.

Mostly freshwater pearls, including baroque and coin pearls, set in 14k gold-filled, most of it hand-fabricated in my studio. A smaller group of pieces is solid 14k gold, and that is where most of my Akoya saltwater pearls go, because Akoya is the pearl I reach for in fine 14k gold work.

Whatever the pearl, I am particular about it. I won't buy low luster or low quality pearls where the nacre is thin and the pearls look chalky in places. For how freshwater and saltwater pearls differ, read Freshwater vs Saltwater Pearls.

Yes, because I build for it. Pearls are less brittle than gemstones when it comes to drilling holes, but more fragile once they are set, because their surface is organic and soft. So I set them last, after any metal forming is complete, and the nacre never gets near heat or abrasion.

On my two-finger illusion ring, the gold-filled open circle and arch do the structural work so the pearls never take the pressure of the design. On my stacking ring, the pearl sits on a solid 14k band built to be worn daily and stacked without worry.

Pearls are soft, around 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale, so the routine is simple: they go on last, after lotion and perfume, and come off first. Store them flat and away from harder stones that could scratch them.

To clean them, use a toothbrush, warm water and a degreasing dish soap like Dawn. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner: they are not safe for stones.

Yes. There is no formal application, no intake form and no minimum spend: a commission starts when you reach out, by phone, email, text or a complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation. Bring a sold-out piece you loved, a screenshot, or pearls you already own. I have built commissions around family pearls and made AAA baroque pearl cufflinks.

A simple pair of earrings using materials already in the studio can be finished in three to four weeks; a complex statement necklace or set that needs stones sourced internationally can take eight to twelve. I confirm materials, dimensions, design and price with you before I pick up my tools. Start a commission.

Yes, if they are already drilled. I work with strands of pearls, pendants and finished jewelry, including pieces that are broken, and I never melt the original. It starts with photographs.

My friend Carolyn chose one strand of pearls from her late mother-in-law's collection. It was too long to wear, so we doubled it back on itself into two layered strands, and I built a custom 24k gold vermeil cone clasp and a flourish of fiery opals around that doubling. The pearls are still the pearls. Read Carolyn's story or see how heirloom redesign works.