We winter in Arizona now around the big Tucson Gem Show, where I source most of my materials. At the Tucson Gem Show, there are several smaller shows that host vendors from all over the world. This gives me access to stones from places like Australia, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa, something we don’t have access to the rest of year. This is where we buy our rough rocks, which we slice and cut into cabochons, as seen in the photo to the right.

In addition, I belong to a lapidary club in Mesa, Arizona. The lapidary club allows me to go on digs where I unearth stones like onyx and jasper that are found in Arizona, and cut and polish them to gemstone quality. 

During travels to places like Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, my husband and I enjoy stopping at local rock shops, where we purchase rough rocks found in those states. 

I recycle all scrap silver and reuse it in my wax casting. I only use precious metals like sterling and fine silver, natural copper, and brass in my work.