Rachel Eva Jachimowicz

Necklace and Earring Set from the Sparkler Collection,

combining Rachel's signature Organic Links and Crystal

Meet the Designer-Artist:

Born from a love of glitter and sparkle that beamed from her grandmother's jewelry box, the passion Rachel Eva Jachimowicz expresses in each of her handmade jewelry designs has grown into a successful business, Rachel Eva Designs. ''Jewelry making is my favorite thing to do. To be successful in something I love is the best feeling ever.''

Inspired by the raw beauty of nature, Rachel created her signature piece, the Organic Link. ''After I designed it, I instantly fell in love with it. I had never seen such a universal piece, and the finish is amazing.'' Other inspirations come from her everyday surroundings, the naturally imperfect beauty of gemstones and, of course, her grandmother's jewelry box.

In addition to the Organic Link, crystal with an AB finish is another key ingredient in her designs, ''I think they make every piece of my jewelry just that much better. I love the way they sparkle and pick up the light.''

Since 2005, Rachel Eva Designs has expanded to include several collections of bracelets, necklaces and earrings--each focusing on a specific material. For example, the Organic Link Collection is a unique blend of raw shapes and mixed metals. The Sparkler Collection includes the organic link as well as crystal bead accents.

Artist Background:

Raised in an artistic family, Rachel took to jewelry-making naturally. The self-taught artist considers herself blessed with an instinct for creative jewelry design.

After graduating from high school, Rachel worked at Michaels Arts and Crafts Store and was soon distracted by beads. After designing a few pieces, she was asked to create jewelry for an upcoming beading class offered at the store. ''I loved making the jewelry and couldn't stop beading.'' Everyone at Michaels loved her designs, so she decided to attend a bead show--''a gigantic warehouse where everything sparkled. I was shocked and excited at the same time. From that moment on, I knew I was going to be a jewelry designer!''

She began beading fulltime, until her mounting arm pain resulted in doctor's orders to stop. Even then, new ideas kept brewing and she was forced to hire someone else to bring her ideas to reality. ''It all worked out in the end. I have no more pain and still have a growing business.''

Now, Rachel shops online for most of her beading supplies, ''I would ask every beader I met where to buy beads online. Every single person I asked would tell me--go to Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. So now, I tell everyone to go there, too.''

To promote her business, Rachel has a website, participates in local Art and Wine events and attends trade shows, such as MAGIC in Las Vegas. She also wears her jewelry, ''What a great feeling, you know, to have people want to buy the jewelry right off your body!''

Rachel credits her success to following her instincts. ''Everyone has an opinion. Listen, but don't necessarily act on it unless you feel it's right for you and your company. Follow your gut instincts with big steps in your business. Make jewelry that you like, and never get discouraged. Trust me, it's a rough ride, but if you want it bad enough you will get it. And never forget about the people who helped you get where you are today!''

View more of Rachel's jewelry on her website at www.racheleva.com.