Hello, My name is Mike. I am a new jeweler,of sorts. I say that because it's true, and because I'm self taught. I've read enough books on jewelry and technic to make my brain hurt. I had to make a decision between paying for putting myself through a jewelry school and probably working for someone else in return, or putting the money towards the acquisition of equipment and inventory and learning as I go. I chose the latter. Most artists don't want to work for someone else. I don't have big plans for wealth and sucess and a chain of stores. I just love to create. I love the materials more than anything else. My real love is for rocks. Yes, it's true. I'm in love with rocks. Sapphires, agates, beryl, jasper; oh what the heck, I even love limestone. But of course, I'm full of questions. So I look forward to asking them and listening to everyones respones, and hopefully I'll be able to contribute with time. Who knows; maybe I'll even get to meet yall for dinner in Tucson some February. Mike