How My Love for Jewelry Making Saved My Life

by Rini Amato
(Rini Amato Designs)

Freeform spiral drop earrings in Argentium silver

I began making jewelry for myself and close friends and family back in the early 1990's during my college days ... it was a great form of procrastination! But seriously, it was my love for all things that sparkle that started me on this hobby.

As academics began to get more demanding, I had to put my love for jewelry making aside and focus on my studies in psychology.

Fast forward to 2004 - I suffered a debilitating back injury that left me jobless and feeling hopeless. Unable to work and thus unable to afford my southern California apartment, I had to go back home to Ohio and move in with my Grandmother so she could look after me. Can you imagine how I felt when my 80-year-old Grandmother had to carry in my luggage because I was physically unable to do so?

I'll never forget the time when, as usual, I was laid up in my bedroom and she came in all dressed up dancing and singing and said to me, "I'm going out dancing! Need anything before I go?" Eighty years old and she was in better shape than I was at 33 years old!

After many months of being unable to do much but lie around, read and watch television, I was becoming extremely depressed. Fully aware of my deteriorating emotional state, I knew I had to do something to pull myself out of it.

With plenty of time on my hands to reflect on my life, I remembered how fulfilled jewelry making had made me feel so many years ago and I decided to take the plunge.

With the help of Grandma, we set up a work table in her dining room; got all my special chair cushions and ice packs (this enabled me to sit for maybe 20 minutes at a time), found my packed away jewelry making supplies and beads that I had been collecting all around the country since college, and I got to work.

Within 6 months my depression began to fade and I felt like I had a purpose in life again.

Since then, my jewelry designs evolved and improved. I moved to Colorado with my fiancée, Josh, started my own website, and have been actively seeking out stores, boutiques, and salons/spas to sell my handcrafted jewelry.

My back problems persist, but for the most part have become manageable. Most importantly, the injury induced depression that once controlled me is a thing of the past.

As silly as it might sound, I believe that in a way my love for jewelry making saved my life.

Rini Amato