I am a jewelry artist because it is my passion and life’s work. So much inspiration is found in the natural world that surrounds my daily life in Northern California. Golden sunlight filtering through the towering redwoods, ocean spray blowing off the tops of crashing waves, the full moon illuminating the mountain ridges, and morning dew sparkling like diamonds in spider webs at dawn. All this splendor seen with my jeweler’s eye drives me to create and express my inner visions of beauty and timeless adornment.
 

I knew I had sat at my jeweler’s bench before this lifetime when in 1973 I was drawn to a 3000 year old bracelet at a museum show in Golden Gate Park . On my wrist was the exact same “new” cuff I had just completed the previous day. These experiences and inspirations have opened the path for me to explore 7000 years of humans creating ritual, spiritual, medicinal, and gem encrusted jewelry. Working/playing in my studio I immerse myself in the ancient art of fabrication to create classically elegant, one of a kind treasures that can be worn and cherished for generations.
 

Having trained many aspiring jewelers, it feels very fulfilling to pass along my self-taught knowledge so that it is not lost in the world of mass production and computer generated jewelry. I started teaching my now adult children when they were 8 & 10 years old, and now my  5½  year old is in the studio hammering, sawing, and has the torch in his hand melting gold.
 

As an award winning jewelry designer and goldsmith, I have been honored to adorn thousands of people who wear my art jewelry and think of my work as a personal part of their lives.
 

To me, being an artist is about sharing the beauty and allure of jewelry, helping others find their own creative spirit, and keeping alive this most ancient of arts and joyful adornment.
     —Larry River