E'lan d'or designs by Eleanor

    

I began making jewelry approximately nine years ago.  I was always interested in creating jewelry, but my family and profession afforded me little time to pursue this endeavor. As soon as some of my time was freed up, I started taking silversmith classes at a local gem and lapidary store, "Gems Galore" . First I took three silversmith classes, then several lost wax casting classes and, much to my surprise, several lapidary classes as well.  I was completely hooked on creating jewelry and continued to take courses and practicum there, all under the tutelage of Bob Rush, an extremely talented man. I started to work with gold as well, using gems whenever possible to enhance my designs. Gold was a much more viable commodity at the time.

     As my interests began to grow, so did my home studio.  I continued to take other classes; at Revere Academy in San Francisco; stone setting, kim boo, and precious metal clay.  Recently, I obtained certification in precious metal clay.  In between, I took other classes at the Mendocino Art Center and the Crucible Center.  

     Within the last few years, I found myself, more and more, drawn to the beauty of pearls. With the explosion of the pearl industry, the types, shapes, and colors of pearls are almost limitless. I am completely captivated by them. I look for unusual pearls that I can use in my creations and have begun to use all my fabrication skills in my pearls designs.  These skills allow me to bring my ideas to fruition. 

     I have exhibited my jewelry at the Highlight gallery in Mendocino, CA., and  at the Vibrantz gallery

in Half Moon Bay, CA.  I also sell my jewelry  on the internet and at local shows.

     I try to bring the highest quality to my creations and will continue to do so.