As a self-employed, part time jeweler since about 1981, recently graduated from the Revere Academy in San Francisco, I have been making jewelry and dealing in minerals and gemstones for the last two decades+ in my spare time. I have studied at the Canadian Jewelers' Institute and the GIA, and find that I cannot possibly get enough information to satisfy my cravings to make jewelry. I am currently taking the dive headfirst into becoming a full-time bench jeweler, and would like to further pursue my own designs and ambitions of becoming a force in the jewelry world (Yes, I know I set my goals very high). Mostly self-taught, I am sure that Orchid and Ganoksin will be very valuable aids in my quest for a satisfying career in this industry.