I am a native Cincinnatian with roots in Kentucky. As a child, I enjoyed collecting rocks and picking up gnarled pieces of wood. For years I worked at home with relief sculptures, painting and florals. While working as a psychiatric nurse for 27 years, I began gathering unusual beads from many cultures. After retiring, I started to make jewelry.

 

My interest in art and jewelry was influenced by my parents. My father was a carpenter and my mother was wonderfully skilled - making drapes, slip covers, pillows, fashion clothing and designing interiors. My sister is an exceptional and world-renowned fiber artist.

 

I am inspired by nature, imperfection, irregularities, bright colors, abstract shapes and sizes, and cultures across the world. Making jewelry relaxes me.

I use aluminum, brass, silver, jade, amber, coral, bone, lapis, shells, crystals, glass, amethyst, and wood in my creations. My jewelry, Gerri's Jewels by Renee, is handmade and one-of-a-kind.