From Rock Collector to Silversmith: My Jewelry Making Journey

Jewelry making has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was a passionate rock collector, always fascinated by the natural beauty and energy of stones. I loved creating bracelets from beads, including those cheesy (sorry, Swifties) alphabet beads that everyone seemed to have at some point. Jewelry making was my favorite creative outlet, even before I realized it could become a lifelong passion.

At 19, someone jokingly told me I needed a hobby, so I took it seriously and bought some pliers, wire, and more beads. I started making earrings, exploring basic jewelry-making tools and techniques. Little did I know, this small beginning would spark a journey that would take me through many creative phases and craft forms.

When I moved to California in 2014, I took a break from jewelry making but kept my creative spirit alive by exploring knitting, painting, and macramé. These crafts nurtured my artistic soul, but my heart kept calling me back to jewelry.

Around 2016, I discovered metal stamping, I was immediately obsessed. Metal stamping became my new addiction. I started with affordable craft store stamps and quickly graduated to high-quality metal stamps that cost as much as an entire alphabet! (Hello, Beaducation and Font Fixation) I opened my Etsy shop (Stamped at the Sea) that same year, offering personalized stamped jewelry pieces that resonated with customers who valued meaningful, handmade gifts.

Stamping in an apartment wasn’t easy. With multiple shared walls, my neighbors weren’t thrilled about the constant hammering of metal. That challenge pushed me to search for new techniques that were just as creative but less noisy. That’s when I discovered silversmithing. "Wait, I can combine my love of rocks/gemstones AND jewelry?" *mind blown*

I signed up for a silversmithing class at my local gem & mineral society (Vista Rocks) and instantly fell in love. The hands on experience of working with metal, hammering, filing, and soldering, and the magic of fire all captivated me. After 4 Saturday morning classes, I knew this was going to be the next chapter in my jewelry making journey.

Shortly after, I moved to Huntington Beach, California, where I finally had the space I needed: a garage studio of my own. Setting up my bench and tools was one of the most exciting moments in my journey. It didn’t take long before I was “playing with fire,” crafting sterling silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces infused with healing energy and personal meaning.

In January 2025, Stamped at the Sea was no longer, and Radiant Vibes Jewelry was launched.

Today, my jewelry reflects this journey: combining boho beach vibes with the power and beauty of natural gemstones. Each piece is handmade with intention, designed to elevate your style and spirit.

Starting from rock collecting to creating one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry, my path has been filled with learning, experimentation, and getting out of my comfort zone. Whether you’re a beginner looking for jewelry-making tips or someone searching for meaningful, handcrafted pieces, I’m grateful to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for more blog posts about my favorite jewelry-making tools, gemstone meanings, and how you can incorporate radiant vibes into your everyday style!