Pet People Talk

There’s something about sterling silver earrings that have always appealed to me. Yes, even back in the days before I was a jewelry artist.

Some of my favorites are the dog earrings. The silver border collie earrings have such a friendly face- just what I’d expect from this smart and loving worker. Another pair that would be perfect for an all around pet lover would be the dog and cat combination earrings. A gentle kitten sits between the legs of a loving golden retriever. What could be more appealing? It makes me think of the cat I grew up with and her “brother” a wonderfully loving Dalmatian. I think most dogs and cats would be friends if given half a chance.

For a springy feeling, my delicate silver butterfly earrings are a good choice. With just the right amount of detail, they are extremely feminine. Butterflies are so beautiful, and I feel blessed to live in a place with so many varieties for inspiration, just outside the window where I can watch them while I do my designing.

And speaking of inspiration, the happy little silver dolphin earrings seem to be bounding from the Gulf, just a couple miles from where I live. It’s been a while since I’ve seen any dolphin groups jumping happily from the waves, but it’s always a thrill to witness these glorious mammals at play.

For just plain fun, you can’t beat my sterling silver monkey earrings hanging from their tails. Long ago I made a clay monkey hanging the same way and eating a banana; this is the great grandson of that design. I have a couple other monkey types available- they were so much fun and creating them was such a happy experience I couldn’t seem to stop at just one design.

It seems so long ago now when I first made the decision to create animal jewelry. I was barely into my 30s (boy, I thought that was practically middle aged back then!) and I’d been selling other people’s things for a couple of years. “I’m an artist,” I thought to myself. “Why don’t I create my own things to sell?” Making animal jewelry was my first thought because of the natural affinity I feel for all living things. I’m happy with that decision now.

And I’m a sucker for this precious metal otherwise known as silver- I find it inspirational and at the same time fun to bring a new conceptual sterling silver design into the world. It’s long been a source of pleasure for me as an artist, and I hope you feel the same way about it the first time you hang one of my Magic Zoo designs from your ears!