At Janet Bean Designs, we like to think of our creations as pieces of art, not just pieces of jewelry.  Using interesting focal pieces combined with the beauty of natural gemstones, add in a touch of lustrous pearls or sparkling crystals, we create our one of a kind, handcrafted necklaces.

Janet and her husband Bob moved back to California in 2004 after 18 years of traveling the world in their 35 foot sailboat. It was during this time that Janet picked up the art of jewelry making. Inspired by the creativity of the locals living in the small villages she visited, she began using intricate seed beads and items found on faraway beaches in her work. Without the local supply shop around the corner, she was forced, like many of the natives who inspired her, to use very simple things that mother nature provide–even using the horns off lobsters to create fun earrings.
Janet made gifts for many fellow boaters over the years, buying gifts for special occasions was out of the question on remote islands. Many of these women still wear her jewelry today. Often on a sunny afternoon, she would teach her art of beading in the cockpit of their sailboat. One of her students was so inspired with the art that she now has a career in jewelry design.
Upon their return to California, Janet realized her old career as an accountant was making her restless. The transition from traveling the world to sitting at a desk all day was not going to full fill her creative needs. After taking several courses in the art of jewelry, she made the decision to take her talents she discovered while sailing and turn them into her career.
It was during a trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show that she found her new love, natural gemstones. She still loves the art that can be created with seed beads but found gemstones to be her new passion.
Janet has a good eye for color combinations and uses this to create unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry. The combination of an interesting focal piece, colorful gemstones and coordinating embellishments, make her pieces truly unique.