About Lara

When I was 19, I was hired as a temporary employee in a wonderful jewelry store in Longview, Texas, where I discovered that diamonds and sapphires came in every color of the rainbow, there were incredible gemstones I had never heard of, and I fell in love with jewelry. I was blessed to watch a talented bench jeweler do things that were ahead of his time. And I was introduced to the leaders in the industry.

 

I received my Graduate Gemologist title from the Gemological Institute of America and my Certified Gemologist title from the American Gem Society.

 

I spent the next 20 years with a leading luxury jewelry store in Texarkana, Texas, working with the top jewelry designers and watch companies in the world.

 

So 30 years (gulp) after being hired as a temp, I left retail to design my own jewelry.

 

 

FWM Jewelry means Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

Psalm 139:14...”

 

I praise You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

 

 

Everything that has happened is a gift from God. God gave me the idea to start my own business, the name for the company, he guides my hand when I design (trust me on this one- a year ago, I couldn’t draw a stick figure. Now I can actually draw something that looks like a piece of jewelry!).

 

I know some people think that jewelry is frivolous or unnecessary; I disagree. Wearing jewelry can make you feel special or beautiful, confident, connected to another person, or just better. We have been adorning ourselves with rocks and shells for 10,000 years for a reason.

 

 

I design mostly with color because it makes me happy!

 

A pile of rainbow-hued gems looks like candy and just makes me smile. Don’t get me wrong- diamonds are fabulous- and colored diamond are the best of both worlds. There’s just something about a big juicy rubellite or a spring-grassy peridot or all of the colors in an opal. They are so alive! I enjoy unusual color combinations. I’m told that when I was young, my favorite colors were pink and purple. My favorite color is still purple and I happen to think it’s a neutral and goes with everything- especially red.

 

I have never been able to choose a favorite gemstone or piece of jewelry. I love them all!

 

I hope you get as much joy from wearing my jewelry as I get from designing it.