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My Story

Image of artist with antiques in the background and fall colored foliage in the foreground.
As a jewelry designer living on Nantucket Island, my work is heavily influenced by the beauty of the natural world around me. I am particularly drawn to the vibrant and mesmerizing sunburst patterns that dance across the ocean's surface and the island's beaches.
In my jewelry designs, I seek to capture the essence of these sunburst patterns by incorporating them into my work in unique and unexpected ways. Whether it's through delicate textures or sculptural shapes, each piece I create is a celebration of the joy and beauty that surrounds us.

In addition to my sunburst designs, I also create a Nantucket Island Collection of jewelry. These pieces are a tribute to the rich history and culture of this unique and beloved place, and I am honored to be able to share them with island lovers.

One of the things that sets my work apart is my deep commitment to creating jewelry that looks handmade and not machine-made. I believe that imperfections and distressing are what give a piece of jewelry its character and personality, and I embrace these qualities in all of my work. Impressions of my fingerprints can even be seen on some pieces. I want my jewelry to look as if it was a found treasure from under the sea. Worn and weathered by sand and waves.

The passion for creating with my own two hands runs deep in my family. Both of my parents were born in Italy and were skilled artisans in their own right. My mother was a professional seamstress. She made beautiful clothes for our family, friends, and did alterations at local boutiques. She also had a talent for fiber art using weaving, embroidery, macrame, and crochet techniques to create stunning pieces. My father was a master stone mason who brought his skills to America and established a reputation for the best stonework in his area. He built custom homes, monuments, and repaired historical landmarks. Growing up, I was surrounded by their creativity and craftsmanship, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for handmade objects and living a simple life.

My family's love of art and travel also influenced my jewelry style. I was fortunate enough to travel often with my parents to Europe when I was young, where I was exposed to ancient cities and classical art. This exposure to different cultures and art forms helped me develop my unique jewelry style. My family's passion for creating and love of art has been a significant influence on my life. Their dedication to their crafts inspired me to pursue my own passion for jewelry making and design.

I am a proud Pennsylvania native and a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and the Gemological Institute of America. My education and experiences have helped shape my artistic vision and have given me the skills and knowledge I need to create beautiful and unique jewelry that truly speaks to the soul.
xo
Renee Scarfone Gillies
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