Recently, a friend called me on the phone and invited me to a jewelry party. I thought to myself, "Oh, no, not another catalog jewelry party." I was so tired of looking at jewelry, then having to order from a catalog just like thousands of other women. Being the good friend I am, though, I arrived at the appointed time with a smile plastered on my face.

I was escorted into my friend's living room and instantly knew this wasn't just an ordinary jewelry party. As I started to browse through the glitter, I realized I had stumbled onto a hidden treasure. I felt as though I had been transported into a private viewing of an extraordinary collection. The jewelry was nothing like I had seen before.

Upon inspection (yes, I could actually pick up and hold each piece and try it on), I was impressed with the handcrafted execution of the pieces. No Made in China stickers on these pieces. I was amazed not only by the quality but by their uniqueness. As I browsed, there wasn't a time that I felt pressured into purchasing. Then my eye landed on the most unusual, rose-gold-filled necklace with a paua pendant shaped like a leaf. It was accented with large mauve and green fresh-water pearls. Amazing! I had to have it.

The most difficult part of the evening was having to choose. Pieces were adorned with Cripple Creek turquoise, Arizona turquoise, amethysts, peridot, lapis, pearls, labradorite, and dozens of stones I didn't even recognize. Many were in combinations that I had never seen before-turquoise with green and purple fluorite, amethyst with garnets and peridot. The beads and stones were in very unusual shapes and cuts, and the finished pieces had an organic feel. What fun!

When I was introduced to the artist, Teri Adams-Fjellman, she greeted me warmly. We visited for a while and I discovered that she was a Colorado Springs native. Teri talked about growing up in Colorado Springs and how the beauty of the area has influenced her jewelry making. It was here in Colorado Springs that she learned to make jewelry, but I think it was the influence of living in Santa Fe for a while that really shows up in her jewelry.

When I asked Teri how she came up with the designs, she simply stated, "They just happen." I suppose that's why each piece is truly a one-of-a-kind. Teri was so sweet when she said, "You deserve jewelry that is as unique as you are!"

It has only been recently that Teri has started taking pictures of her jewelry to place on her website ( www.blessingsfromteri.com). Teri told me that she was looking through the pictures the other day and actually saw pieces that she forgot she had made. "Many times the pieces are gone so quickly after I make them that I forget the designs. Besides, I could never really recreate the exact same piece again since each stone is unique. You will never see that necklace you just bought worn by anyone else!"

I was very pleased with my purchase, but I had a surprise waiting for me when I wrote my check. What I didn't realize when I was invited to the party was that this evening was also a fund-raiser for a local nonprofit organization-40% of the evening's gross sales were going to a charity my friend selected. I hadn't heard of an artist doing this before. It was such a win-win situation. I left with a beautiful piece of jewelry (which was customized to fit only me), and I helped sponsor a worthy cause.

I asked Teri why everyone didn't know about her. She replied, "Well, growing up here, I know this is a word-of-mouth town. I figured that people would hear about it sooner or later. I believe everything happens in its own time."

Well, I believe that it is time for everyone to know Teri Adams-Fjellman! I am letting you know about a phenomenal artist here in our community and how she is giving back. If you want to host a private trunk show and select a charity, just visit Teri's website at www.blessingsfromteri.com or call her at 719-229-7759. To see some of her work, stop by the ladies boutique located at The Bro admoor.

Pat Criscito, CEO ~ ProType, Ltd.
20070 Roaming Drive ~ Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Phone: (719) 592-1999 ~ Fax: (719) 598-8918
E-mail: pat@patcriscito.com ~ Website: http://www.patcriscito.com

Pat Criscito is the Founder and CEO of ProType, Ltd., an international business support service offering writing, editing, typesetting, proofreading, and personal branding services to clients in 42 countries since 1980. She is the author of "The Legacy", Barron's "Guide to Distance Learning", "e-Resumes", "How to Write Better Resumes and Cover Letters", "Interview Answers in a Flash", and "Designing the Perfect Resume", among other books. Check your local bookstore, library, or Amazon.com.