At some point, people began making beads and charms, and many were thought to be magical. By 2,500 BC, beads were being traded over great distances and were the basis for many of the trade routes that developed in Asia, the Mediterranean, and elsewhere.

Beads have magic and have been a journey for me as well. I have been collecting beads and other jewelry components for many years from markets around the world. Once home, they take up residence in boxes or drawers, and eventually they call to me, often when just the right companions join them. In fact, it’s not often that I can buy the makings for a complete necklace all at once. The best creations seem to be those that take a long time, the ingredients simmering slowly, adding a pinch of this and that, until “Voila!” The various elements have merged into a mélange at once new and unique yet seeming as if it were always meant to be.

I believe my jewelry’s uniqueness appeals to a woman who treasures her own journey, her own style, and her own uniqueness. She is attracted to the rare and unusual, not necessarily the precious, for she believes expressing herself through her jewelry is an integral part of her daily life, be it artistic, professional, or spiritual. Many of my necklaces are big, bold, and, like those bear claws, empowering. However, I use beads and accent pieces made of mostly subtle, not glitzy, stones such as soo chow jade (serpentine), carnelian, and onyx, which are lustrous but understated, making many of my necklaces appropriate for both day and evening wear. I also use sterling silver and bronze beads and findings and a variety of symbols from diverse cultures and beliefs.

LINKS
http://www.sheryltappanjewelry.com

http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-08-16/entertainment/22221183_1_iraq-oil-field-bechtel-government-contracts