Ann Wallach

Most people are drawn to the beach by the beauty of the ocean. Not many are interested in what lies underfoot. But when we beachcombers arrive, we see another world: We look down. The pebbles that make up the beach are what we’ve come to see. The more obsessed among us get right down to stone level. Then, like magic, the beiges and grays expand into an unimaginable array of colors, patterns, shapes and textures.

There is nothing cold about stones. Just hold one in your hand. It warms. It comes alive. Now imagine that this stone was shaped, not by “our” ocean, but by an ancient sea, long before the last ice age. Amazing!

It occurred to me a while ago that there was a way to share my enthusiasm with others. I began polishing my stones to increase their luster, and then set them in fine and sterling silver. Lately, I’ve discovered that the beauty of some pieces can be enhanced by adding a necklace of complimentary stones. Otherwise, I keep things as simple as possible so as not to distract from the beauty of the stones themselves.

It gives me great pleasure to share my enthusiasm for stones with others. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.