This jewelry collection is about how a dog led me to believe in myself and embrace the true meaning of love. Love in its purest form connects us to the divine and to all that is—love doesn't judge, but rather bolsters, awakens, and guides. Over 17 years by my side, my dog watched over me with this exact kind of love, transforming me in the process.

Every piece in this collection reflects a truth my loyal, four-legged teacher helped me see. Bees represent my divine feminine energy, the goddess within. The anchor reflects my ability to remain steadfast in the storm or, perhaps, to embrace the start of a new journey as the anchor is pulled from the seafloor. Flowers, cherubs, and birds embody laughter, light, and spiritual growth. And then, of course, there's the Buddha himself, a master of the enlightenment that Francis, I would argue, resonated with.

I found him huddled under a bougainvillea bush while walking along a cobblestone street in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Street dogs were everywhere then—you could toss a pebble and hit three. But he was my soulmate.

His unwavering presence guided me through some of life's most difficult moments—a hard divorce, the challenges of single motherhood. Through decades, silently, Francis encouraged me to be strong, communicated his faith in me, and urged me to rise when I stumbled. His love was absolute; he saw me in ways I couldn't see myself. Francis nourished my soul and cherished me unconditionally, constantly reminding me of my inherent value.

The very first moment I scooped him up, I looked into the eyes of an ancient buddha, the wisest of souls. It was uncanny—this dubious little creature emanating a depth I had never witnessed in another being.

Francis also led me back to nature. I had enjoyed a blissfully feral '70s childhood in rural western Pennsylvania and Cape Cod in the summers.  As a complete tomboy, trees and streams and barns and marshes were my home away from home—these wild places shaped me. Later, with Franny by my side, I rediscovered this joy as we walked and hiked together day after day. We also explored so many neighborhoods where people tend their suburban plots.  In recent years I noticed a new phenomenon: "pollinator habitats”–beautifully messy oases of wildflowers for bees, in lieu of manicured lawns.  Understanding the critical importance of bees, this excited me. Witnessing this movement unfold eventually inspired me to create my own pollinator garden, connecting childhood freedom to adult purpose.

Yes, this Girl Loves her Dog—a rescue dog that did the rescuing—who was destined to enter my life through unseen forces. This jewelry collection stands as a testament to what he taught and showed me about self-love, acceptance, and resilience. It honors all women, each of us strong and brave, showing up daily with determination and courage. These talismans serve as armor, a reminder of our individual and collective strength as we navigate life's complexities. Embodying simple sophistication, each piece is hand cast and finished with meticulous expertise, creating timeless beauty destined to become an instant heirloom.

As you wear your Girl Loves Dog piece, remember that divine feminine energy exists within you. It is a force of creation, nurturing, and intuition—a wellspring of wisdom and compassion celebrated across cultures throughout human history. Hold on fiercely and unapologetically to your power—not power over, but power from within: your empowerment.

From Canvas to Metal

The creative process is a mystery, and I feel like it’s worth sharing. My path from an artist who barely owned jewelry to jewelry designer still surprises me. A sassy Canadian friend once quipped that I make "jewelry for people who don't like jewelry"—not entirely wrong, not entirely right, but it made me laugh.

With a BFA from Brown, I painted for decades, filling large canvases with animals—a natural extension of my childhood experiences and overall values. From a kid who collected salamanders, begged for a pony, and knew where every bird nest in every tree was and what shape and color the eggs were within, I became a working artist, then gallery owner (Hyannis Port and San Miguel de Allende.) Until life intervened. A divorce and a lot of self-work pushed me into uncharted creative waters.

Then came an unexpected obsession: vintage brass buttons from the late 1800s to mid-1900s, tiny works of art stamped with animals and nature scenes. In these miniature masterpieces, I saw jewelry waiting to be born. This vision turned into a quest and launched a years-long journey learning jewelry manufacturing from design to production, with plenty of starting over.

Though challenging, every setback proved worthwhile. Working with a stellar team, I've created pieces that reflect my classic yet unfussy aesthetic—simple, strong, and intentional. My greatest joy? Creating beautiful objects that speak to both self-proclaimed "jewelry people" and those who never thought they were—because these pieces are more than accessories. They're talismans infused with meaning, history, and soul—gorgeously crafted with the utmost care and attention, with the intention of speaking to all women.