About the Artist

As a child I had a boundless imagination and loved to draw and paint. Around the age of 15, I moved to San Francisco where I had the opportunity to connect deeply with my artistic self. It was an inspirational time for my creativity. San Francisco was an open door to the world of art.

In the early seventies, I began traveling through Mexico, Central and South America. The colorful art of the Americas influenced me profoundly. I felt moved by the artistic expression of the people, their pottery, textiles, dance and music. My travels took me to Africa where the beauty and hospitality of the people opened my heart. Everywhere, I was surrounded by the colors, shape and texture of African arts. I went on to Asia and Southeast Asia where spirituality and daily activities mingle. I loved the Asian way of life. Journeying around 79 countries in 15 years has been a precious and intense training for my own artistic creativity.

Returning to the United States in l986, I had a burning desire to create something of my own. All that I had seen and experienced through my travel coalesced into jewelry designs that were uniquely mine. This is when I met my life partner, Hank. We lived on a boat, in the Florida Keys, where together we created Earth Stones. Hank's business talents combined with my artistic vision formed a harmonious and prosperous relationship. As Earth Stones grew, we moved to a secluded mountain cove in western North Carolina. We lived there happily for seven years with our three dogs Belle, Wolfie and Lyle. My Jewelry designs evolved in the peacefulness of the mountain cove. Our business brought us every year to Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. We liked it so much that In 1997 we decided to move there.

In Tucson our business has evolved in many ways. We began participating in electronic commerce, selling our jewelry at online auctions, and our exposure has increased dramatically. The response was phenomenal. Hank's expertise in buying the stones and his relationships with the gemstone cutters and miners bring the highest quality of uniquely cut gemstones at the best price. Our combined talents have resulted in Earth Stones' continuing success.

Working with semi-precious and precious stones has been very rewarding. Each stone has its unique beauty and metaphysical powers. The folklore surrounding gemstones has been with us since the beginning of time. Having worked with gems for the last 12 years, I feel a harmonic flow has developed between the gems and myself. I handle my materials in a gentle manner. My vision of the finished piece takes place effortlessly in a meditative state. I feel that my designs come direct from the universe.

— Lynda