All — Opal

Okay, here is a little known fact . . . I was an educator for 4 years fairly soon after I graduated from college. Three of the years were spent teaching in Louisiana and a fourth year was spent teaching in Massachusetts. Back in those days, teaching was a wonderful opportunity for someone to work in the very rewarding field of education while spreading out their paycheck for a full year. We had the summer off and my search for adequate childcare finally seemed to be in a much better position. All of that ended when Prop. 2 1/2 came...

Typically, I would venture to say, the type of jewelry designs I create are not especially fraught with danger since I do not use any torches, daunting equipment or noxious chemicals. Truth be told, I am designing jewelry that uses rather commonly found findings and beads along with some antique elements such as lockets and clasps. The more dangerous work is farmed out to jewelry workrooms that are well equipped with the proper tools and ventilation systems - even though I have designed the concept of the jewelry. Believe it or not, I am always thinking of the large Tucson...