Meet The Designers

After a weekend trip to Galena with my husband in 1972 that was all it took to instantly fall in love with this town.  Little did I know that it would lead to moving to Jo Daviess County and opening a bead/jewelry shop in 2012 along with the help of my family.

I started as a fabric artist and did juried craft shows for 10 years, until my oldest daughter opened my eyes to designing jewelry.  Now, my 3 daughters and I share the passion for jewelry design.

I hope you enjoy your shopping experience at "Rustic River" and I'll see you again soon!

At 23 years old, I opened the first chapter in my jewelry designing career! Little did I know what passion & love it would bring me.  Everyday I strive to make unique designs getting inspiration from everyday life!  The best joy in this book of mine is how close it has brought my family together! My sisters, mom & daughters have all joined in on this amazing adventure!

Italian for "Twins" Gemelli Inspired jewelry is handcrafted using nothing but the highest quality findings to create one-of-a-kind pieces.  All of the metal we use is 100% natural and in its breathable state, therefore you can expect some lightening and darkening with wear and age.  We take great pride in our work making each item just as beautiful as the next.  The love that we share as identical twins, is the same love that we share for designing our jewelry.  We hope you enjoy wearing it as much as we have had designing it.

After years of my Mom and sisters making jewelry I finally decided to try it myself.  It wasn't too long after learning from the best that I was hooked.  Creating vintage inspired jewelry with a twist is definitely my style.  Not a day goes by where I do not think of new designs and how to make each piece unique.  I draw inspiration from new fashions trends and antique findings, the perfect combination of old and new.  Bing home with my kids and designing jewelry is truly a blessing.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I have making them.

I have been designing jewelry since 2005, being a naturally creative and crafty person I fell in love with the different stones, findings, and ever changing elements of design.  Designing jewelry has become a passionate outlet for my creativity.  I live in charming Galena, where inspiration is everywhere, with my husband, sons & puppy.