Kim Yubeta began designing jewelry more than twenty years ago. Her grandfather, a Norwegian freighter captain, brought her exotic beads from around the world.

Family mementos and artifacts, as well as her own beads beckoned her to create her signature designs.

Today, her pieces combine antique and contemporary, tiny artifacts of different ethnic cultures and vibrant colors. Vestiges of history. semi-precious stones, beads and mementos become wearable art through the work of her hands.

What is Kim's hope for those who wear her jewelry? " I want to make people smile," she says. "I want them to be comfortable with my work. There's a sense of wonder and excitement when I begin a new piece and I want the people who wear my work to feel it too."