Although I earned a BS in Geology '71, and have strung beads for myself all my life, it's been in my spare time until I was 'retired' in '02 and began GIA's distance education to become a Graduate Gemologist. I completed Colored Stones in '05, began doing the bead/pearl stringing for a family jewelry store. I took some metal working classes and started collecting tools and equipment. I now am completing the Diamond portion for the GG, and am making some jewelry and findings, besides doing the bead/pearl stringing for a number of jewelry stores. I appreciate learning how to do something from 'experts' and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.