After retiring from academia as a researcher, I had the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion for rocks and jewelry by starting my own business.  I pursued it with a passion and have not stopped since.  The researcher in me wants to know all about the quality and value of gemstones (both natural and synthetic) and the process of jewelry design and manufacturing.  There are always new things to learn, accomplish, and enjoy.  To that end, I have earned my Graduate Gemologist degree from GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and my Accredited Jewelry Professonal Degree.

I hand-craft and assemble my jewelry out of sterling silver, 14K gold-filled, or higher karat gold, utilizing fine quality gemstone beads and pearls, which includes  diamonds, rubies sapphires, and emeralds, as well as a wide assortment of the semi-precious transparent stones (amethyst, peridot, citrine, etc), as well as opaque beads such as tiger eye, lapis, a variety of agates and jaspers, and south sea pearls.  Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, and seed beads are used as color and texture accents. 

I start the creative process by selecting focal beads or gems for my work, and surrounding myself with a variety of beads and metals to accent these focal points.  At times, my visual  and illogical instincts lead me in a different direction from my original intentions.  However, the outcome is always well-done, and typically a one-of-a-kind piece.  Rarely do I make more than one of a particular design. 

My classic designs utilize faceted gems and lustrous pearls, while my contemporary designs include the “big bead and chain” casual necklaces and bracelets, and eclectic dangly earrings incorporating glass Czech beads and hand-wrought swirls, daggers, and curves.   The fine rings I design are manufactured out of 14K or 18K gold, and/or platinum, and mounted with unusual “fantasy cut” gems of fine color or the rarer natural color diamonds.

I regularly attend trade shows and have working relationships with several award-winning fine jewelry designers in the industry.  This allows me to seek out unusual design elements to incorporate in to my one-of-a-kind pieces, making them even more interesting and unique.  I also sell these AGTA award-winning designs through my business and utilize their master jeweler talents for executing my high-end designs.

I offer custom design services to my clients, along with “personal” gem buying services.  Designs are done cooperatively with the client to reflect their personality and lifestyle, whether it is a new piece being created or a beloved treasure reworked.

My husband, Dwight, is very supportive of my business and is always on hand to assist me with setups, teardowns, design work, sales, and even attends bead and jewelry shows (Tucson is great the first two weeks of February.)  

Coralyn Whitney

Jewelry Designer

GIA Graduate Gemologist

Accredited Jewelry Professional