Anne N. of Ardmore, PA, wearing my earrings and sterling silver necklace elements...beautifully!
So many beautiful ladies…
…have bought my jewelry since 1988 - when I opened my first studio space above an industrial metal-welding workshop on the north side of Chicago.
To each of these women, I’m grateful. They wear my work with such style and grace…which makes me love what I do.
I’ve also loved getting to know them over the years, to the point where some feel like family to me.
Visit with more of these ladies below, where you’ll see still photos and videos they’ve shared with me, to vouch for their love of my work.
I thank them for allowing me to share them with you.
As I thank you for your interest.
—Valerie
video testimonials
SHERRY M.
BALTIMORE, MD
I met Sherry at a show years ago, after her friend told her about my work. Since then, she has collected a grouping of Elements, which she combines in different ways, as she says in this video. Thank you, Sherry!
Ruth, Judy, and Shelly
Philadelphia, PA
Often, my customers turn into friends over time. Actually, into family. That’s how I feel about Ruth, Judy, and Shelly. I love seeing them here! Thank you, Shelly, Judy, and Ruth!
Amber O.
Walla Walla, WA
Amber prefers my smaller Elements, earrings and other pieces - and combines them beautifully, as her video shows. Her mother and sisters like my work too! Thank you, Amber!
Susan M.
Alexandria, VA
I met Susan at the Smithsonian Craft Show many years ago. Recently, we found each other on social media and began corresponding. Here she shows some of her favorite Valerie necklaces. Thank you, Susan!
Allo G.
Detroit, MI
Allo is a stylist par excellence, rather, an artist of style. She enjoys forming different necklaces using my beaded Elements. In this video, she shares some of her favorite combinations. Thank you, Allo!
Trudy S.
Philadelphia, PA
Trudy is Susan M.'s cousin. Recently, Susan gave Trudy one of my Black Disk necklaces - and it turns out to have been a great gift. In this video, Trudy explains why. Thank you, Trudy!
Paul and Pamela
Massachusetts
When Pamela’s rope necklace was stolen, Paul commissioned me to make a new one in the same colors, only longer. It was a pleasure to restore this necklace for them. Thank you, Pamela and Paul!
Toby G.
Baltimore, MD
I met Toby years ago. She has some of my earliest pieces - and some recent ones too. I look forward to Toby's emails, which always make me laugh! She’s just so witty! Here, she shows some of her favorite pieces. Thank you, Toby!
Margaret M.
Martinsville, VA
If memory serves, I met Margaret many years ago at a show in West Palm Beach, FL. Or was it in Washington, DC? At any rate, we hit it off right away. She's always so witty and smart! When she agreed to make a video testimonial for me, I was delighted. I love how Margaret styles my work to her taste. And the joy she brings to the process - I find it very inspiring! Watch this video, and you'll see! (Her storage system is pretty cool, too.)
Dick and Rosanne
Ann Arbor, MI
Two of my most favorite people in the world are Dick and Rosanne. We met around 30 years ago at the Ann Arbor Art Fair - as Rosanne mentions in this video. They are both artists too - photographers who make magnificent photos of the natural world. Many times in past years, Dick and Rosanne brought highly nutritious (and delicious!) cookies to my booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which restored my flagging energy. But more than that - they re-energized my love for my fellow human beings. Dick and Rosanne brought cookies to other artists too - we all partook of their generosity and care - their humanitarian cookie mission. Thank you, Rosanne and Dick! I hope to see you in person soon.
Sarah M.
Arlington, VA
I met Sarah many years ago at a show in Washington, DC. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have her help me in my booth on occasion. Customers love it when Sarah advises them because she understands my work from their point of view, even better than I do. Between customers, Sarah and I catch up on each other’s lives and current events of the world. I’m delighted that she found time to make this video.
Photo Testimonials
Below, photos of my lovely ladies wearing my work.
Seeing the smiles on their faces brings me great happiness.
And I love hearing their stories. For example, many years ago, two of my customers ran into one another in a shoe shop in London. Never having met, they became instant friends because each was wearing a piece of mine. Over time, their friendship has endured. Now, their families have become friends as well, and they take vacations together.
I love the idea that my pieces are out traveling the world while I’m back at home in my studio, making new pieces that might one day travel too!
—Valerie
Thea J. of Mt. Vernon, NY, looking radiant in my “Christina” earrings of 14 karat gold.
Bonnie L. - New Jersey
Thea J. - Mount Vernon, NY
Sarah M., Arlington, VA
Susan M. - Alexandria, VA
Ilisse P. - New York, NY
Ruth G., Shelly M., Judy Y. - Philadelphia
Yona D. - Elkins Park, PA
Sherry M., Baltimore, MD
Kathryn M. - Piedmont, CA
Ariadne M. - Clinton Township, MI
Ariadne M. - Clinton Township, MI
Amber O. - Walla Walla, WA
Judith A. - Washington, DC
Laury S., Newton, MA
Judy M., Washington, DC
Linda E. - Seattle, WA
Ann N., Ardmore, PA
Francine Hibiscus - Rochester Hills, MI
Laura S. - San Francisco, CA
Four Lovely Ladies in Baltimore
Stacey B., Waukesha, WI
Susan M., Alexandria, VA
Eileen B., Forest Hills, NY
Lynn K., Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sally C., Boston, MA
Alexis W., Chicago, IL
Ann N., Ardmore, PA
Connie R., Washington, DC
What These Ladies Say…
“I think I told you my first piece I bought of yours was a 40 inch jewel tone rope at the only ACC which came to Bellevue, WA. It’s beautiful and so easy to wear. Of course, I have bought many other pieces over the years after that first purchase. Your work really speaks to me. I know how to do many of the stitches you use and I know what the work entails. It makes me appreciate the pieces even more. Much thanks!”
Beth W., Seattle, WA
“It’s here! And it’s absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Photos can’t do it justice, Valerie, but you already know that. The color combo is exotic, but not overwhelmingly so. Sure to be an attention-grabber. And it obviously looks terrific lying here on my kitchen island! I love it love it love it! I’ll send you a selfie when I wear it the first time. You are a one of a kind artist, Valerie. Can’t thank you enough!!!”
Karen C., Boston, MA
“What a pleasant surprise to receive my necklace today. I really thought I would get it after Christmas. Thank you for shipping it so quickly. I love it!!! It looks lovely as a single necklace and sensational with the other two beads I purchased from you during the past year. Glad I have chains of different lengths. These beads are so versatile and look wonderful in different configurations.”
Susan M., Alexandria, VA