![Susan Beech wearing Tolvanen’ Rolexia Susan Beech](https://artjewelryforum.org/sites/default/files/images2012/susan-beech/content/susan-600px.jpg)
Over the years I have collected paintings, art deco everything, photographs, sculpture and ceramics. I didn’t intend to collect jewelry until I saw some original studio jewelry, pieces very different than what my friends were wearing. As I became more educated about the field, I gravitated toward more challenging work, unconventional jewelry materials and subject matter. Soon I realized I was a collector of contemporary jewelry. It is not possible to wear a painting or sculpture, but I do wear jewelry from my collection every day, even some of the more demanding pieces. Some might say I wear too many pieces at the same time but it speaks to my passion.
I have a great respect for the jewelry artists and it has been honor to meet and talk to so many of them about their ideas. When I wear a piece from my collection, I feel I am promoting their work in particular and contemporary jewelry in general by taking it our in the world, sharing my passion and encouraging people to ask questions.
![Susan Beech wearing Tolvanen’s Rolexia Susan Beech](https://artjewelryforum.org/sites/default/files/images2012/susan-beech/content/susan-600px.jpg)
Over the years I have collected paintings, art deco everything, photographs, sculpture and ceramics. I didn’t intend to collect jewelry until I saw some original studio jewelry, pieces very different than what my friends were wearing. As I became more educated about the field, I gravitated toward more challenging work, unconventional jewelry materials and subject matter. Soon I realized I was a collector of contemporary jewelry. It is not possible to wear a painting or sculpture, but I do wear jewelry from my collection every day, even some of the more demanding pieces. Some might say I wear too many pieces at the same time but it speaks to my passion.
I have a great respect for the jewelry artists and it has been honor to meet and talk to so many of them about their ideas. When I wear a piece from my collection, I feel I am promoting their work in particular and contemporary jewelry in general by taking it our in the world, sharing my passion and encouraging people to ask questions.
![Terhi Tolvanen, Rolexia, 2009, agate, wood, paint, silver, 21cm Terhi Tolvanen](https://artjewelryforum.org/sites/default/files/images2012/susan-beech/content/rolexia-600px.jpg)
![Terhi Tolvanen, Couronne Nacre, 2009, mother of pearl, polyester, wood, paint, silver, 20cm Terhi Tolvanen](https://artjewelryforum.org/sites/default/files/images2012/susan-beech/content/couronne-behang-600px.jpg)
![Terhi Tolvanen, Couronne Nacre, 2009, mother of pearl, polyester, wood, paint, silver, 20cm Terhi Tolvanen](https://artjewelryforum.org/sites/default/files/images2012/susan-beech/content/couronne-nacr%C3%A9-600px.jpg)