Forty Years of Jewelry. Zero Dollars Earned.

My mother Angelica has made jewelry since before I was born. Not as a business—as pure love. Every birthday gift, every Christmas present, every "thinking of you" gesture was a handmade piece. Sterling silver. Natural stones. Hours of careful work.

Her friends would beg to buy them. ", I'd pay $200 for this!" She'd always refuse. "Oh, I couldn't charge for something I enjoy making." I watched her give away hundreds of pieces—jewelry that belonged in boutiques—because she believed her passion had no monetary value.

At 60, she retired from teaching. I asked her: "Mom, what if you could finally share your work with the world?" She smiled and said, "Who would want jewelry from someone like me?" That's when Pure Gems House was born.