Babes in HART Mini Feature: Legare Riano

LEGARE RIANO

Legare (luh-gree) is our local artist who strings each of our gemstone beaded necklaces. She has been making jewelry for over 20 years, and given us her expertise and utmost care - a truly collaborative effort - over the last two years.

“It’s re-lit an ember that had somewhat flickered out. What a marvelous few years working with such beautiful stones and amazing designs.” - Legare

Legare describes her stringing work as her “zen-time.” The result? We believe you can feel the good vibes emanating from these special pieces. Read more about Legare’s favorite stones and how her work reminds us to seek beauty in the everyday.

The gemstone necklaces you make for us are filled with soul and superpowers - how do you feel when you make them? Do you play music or what gets you "into the zone"?

It is my “zen” time. I can listen to music, tv, or whatever but it is my time to just relax and let the outside go! There’s a calm in the repetitive motions when working with stones.

You’ve spent countless hours with these stones—do you have a favorite one or a special memory tied to a particular piece?

My favorite stone is Labradorite, and moonstone—anything with that AB (Aurora Borealis) flash!! I worked on some gorgeous labradorite a bit back….too beautiful!

Your craft feels like a kind of meditation. What’s your philosophy on the energy or intention behind handmade work?

From the start of my jewelry-making career, I created one-of-a-kind pieces 99% of the time. The creative process for each piece was unique, from picking the stones to how they came together on the piece. It’s like a painting; the mixing of colors and shapes is a one-time moment. I think that’s what makes handcrafted jewelry so beautiful.

If you could design a necklace that captured your own story or spirit, what would it look like?

It would definitely have pearls! With a scattering of labradorite and a nugget or two of moonstone somewhere. My story is simple, I love the feel of stones in my hands and how something so small can create something so beautiful!

What advice would you give to someone looking to find or create beauty in their daily work?

Take a “time-out” from your day to day. Inspiration comes from many places…a walk in the woods, shell searching on the beach, mine was with kids mining for gems in the mountains! Have to push through the daily noise and see what’s on the other side.

What has been like working with HART over the last couple of years?

What a marvelous few years! Working with such beautiful stones and amazing designs, it has been so much fun! But the best part has been getting to know all the kind, welcoming and lovely people at Hart! They have all re-lit an ember that had somewhat flickered out. What a talented and beautiful group of women!

THE GOOD STUFF

Take a “time-out” from your day to day. Inspiration comes from many places…a walk in the woods, shell searching on the beach, mine was with kids mining for gems in the mountains! Have to push through the daily noise and see what’s on the other side.

- Legare

LEGARE RIANO

THE GOOD STUFF

Shop Legare Riano's Look

Long Link Chain

Star Compass Charm

Charleston Enamel Charm

Aquarius Zodiac Charm