My love of jewelry started as a young girl. My grandmother had a grand jewelry-box filled with all sorts of trinkets my grandfather had brought back from Japan and over seas. Every now and then she would let me try on her "jewels". When I put them on I couldn't help but feel like a princess. To this day I still feel special when I put on a new trinket. I will always credit her with my foundation in the jewelry business.
From 1998-1999 I studied at the Baltimore Institute of Art in Baltimore Maryland. In 1999 I found an entry Bench Jeweler position with Sterling Inc. By 2001 I had work my way up to managing one of the few custom/repair shops in the Northern Virginia area.
In 2005 after my son was born I felt a draw to not only be a work at home mom but to explore design and art jewelry so I started Jewelry Works.
I continued my education and "artistic" training through GIA and in 2006 earned my AJP. It really took about a year to find my "niche" but after the first batch of Mokume-gane I was hooked.
Most of my work falls into the Art Jewelry category now but my clients really love the uniqueness of it. With each new design my goal is to create that "wow" piece that you are excited to show off. I can't believe that was 4 years ago now. I have really felt fortunate to be able to do what I love and spend quality time with my family.
- Sara Rivera
