One of my earliest memories is being captivated by the tiny stones embedded in the sidewalk outside our house—their colors, shapes, and textures seemed to hold endless intrigue. I would spend hours on my hands and knees, mesmerized by their variety and the hidden beauty they revealed.

As I grew, my father and I spent countless weekends exploring nature, searching for agates, turquoise, and other gems across the American Southwest, Alaska, Canada, and Panama. By the age of 12, I was cutting cabochons from our finds. By 20, I had mastered the art of gem faceting under the guidance of Glen and Martha Vargas, and was already crafting and designing jewelry. In 1981, my father and I opened a store we called Sapphire Sky Fine Jewelry. In 1999, I was honored with one of twelve Spectrum Awards from the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) for a jewelry design featuring colored gemstones.

My focus on design led me to transition into full-time jewelry appraisal, where I earned the highest designations from AGS, ISA, NAJA, and ASA. I now teach and help develop valuation classes for other gemologists. Throughout my career as an appraiser, I’ve had the privilege of studying and handling extraordinary jewelry—antique, period, and contemporary.

Since my university years, I’ve been captivated by the techniques and designs used by ancient cultures. The jewelry of the Egyptians, Babylonians, Etruscans, and even the Sinu` culture of Central America left a lasting impression on me. Their timeless creations inspired me to master ancient techniques and create heirlooms for future generations. I believe that Western jewelry design reached its pinnacle in the early to mid-1900s during the Art Nouveau and Deco periods, and that level of craftsmanship continues to influence my work today.

A few years ago, thanks to my wife’s unwavering faith in me, my passion for creating exquisite jewelry was reignited, leading to the rebirth of Sapphire Sky Fine Jewelry Design. With over 40 years of experience, my dedication to creating meaningful, personalized pieces continues to drive me forward. I look forward to sharing this creative journey with you.