This beautiful necklace designed by Janet Bruno-Small of Mon Coeur Gallery is handcrafted using trade beads from Timbuktu, Mali. 

About the Artist: 

Janet Bruno-Small is an artist as unique as her jewelry.   Her heart is truly in her work designing signature one-of-a-kind pieces.   Restoring and using antique jewelry components in her designs is her specialty.    Her studio and shop Mon Coeur can be found in the Uptown area of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Janet is inspired by many natural forms and shapes in her design process. She might begin with an antique steel shoe buckle as the focal point of her design. She then creates by hand a textile backing of peyote stitched tiny glass seed beads. This beaded textile is used functionally to drape the multiple strands of gemstones to create an elegant and up to date necklace. Attention to detail, using quality and unique materials are the reason her customers come back time and time again.

She loves to work with clients in designing just the right piece that will suit their style and taste. Her fine jewelry can range from sophisticate to playful.

Janet's background is varied. After growing up in New Orleans and attending St. Joseph Academy, she received a BA in International Relations and Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Partnered with her husband Larry Small, she produced television programming for GE Medical Systems in Milwaukee, WI. The couple returned to the area in 1994 and Janet began Mon Coeur as an experimental joining of her love of antiques with a growing interest in Native American bead working. Her style continues to evolve as her interest in unique beads and antique jewelry plays out in her creations.