About Us

• Our  ModernWest Artisan Jewelry studio creates original jewelry from the hearts and hands of artisans, well made to be well loved. Karen designs each piece, inspired by semi-precious gemstones, artisan glass, leather and metal works. She acquires gemstones and metal pieces from her network of artisans, and then creates each finished jewelry piece here in our studio.  
• We categorize our designs by stylized collections, from rustic to sexy, artsy to elegant. We provide the gallery of styles so you can  find your favorites. We're here to help you build your own collection. 
• We also specialize in repurposing your personal jewelry when you’d like to change something about it. We love creating custom designs that fulfill what you are hoping for.  Each piece is hand-crafted with love so it is well loved by you. 
• Since semi-precious stones are natural materials from the earth cut by artisans, their beauty lies in their natural condition which may include imperfections, or inconsistencies from stone to stone. Every part of a stone is considered part of the design and art of the piece. 
• Since we make each piece when we receive an order, we are able to modify it based on your requests, such as a longer or shorter chain, a different type of closure, different ear wires, etc. Please call or email, or include the details in your order. 

-From the hearts and hands of artisans, well made to be well loved. 

• Karen’s jewelry design studio emerged from a lifelong love of fine arts, handmade crafts, and professions in home interiors and clothing design. The desire to make everything around her beautiful is in her bones. Karen's path as an artist and designer parallels her travels around North America, Europe, the UK and Australia. After decades working as a designer, she now focuses her energies as an artisan working with semi-precious stones to create wearable art.
• Karen is inspired by what catches her eye in her surroundings, from nature to people and life experiences. She collects artifacts, and connects with other artists while getting a feel for the culture and arts of each region she visits.  Her love for American national parks, particularly Yellowstone country, inspired the names ModernWest Artisan Jewelry and her first collection, Spirit of the West. 
• Her approach to personal health and beauty is: there is only one you, and that is your power. Every breath is precious, and everything you add to your life becomes part of your story. Jewelry is part of enhancing your beauty, to touch the heart and celebrate the self in harmony with the natural world. 
• Karen’s philosophy about jewelry: Jewelry is an expression of you and a focal point. Choose clothes to go with your jewelry. Jewelry is not just an add-on or an afterthought when you get dressed. It's an art piece, to be well loved.