My name is Denise Bedford Neri, and I am a jewelry artist originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, where my love for the craft first began. Growing up surrounded by the work of local artisans—especially silversmiths—sparked my fascination with the beauty of handcrafted art. When I moved to Austin, Texas at a young age, I was exposed to an even wider world of creative expression that further deepened my passion for design.

In high school, I took a one-time ring-making class and instantly fell in love with the process. I felt completely at home behind the jeweler’s bench and knew I wanted to pursue it seriously. In 2021, I began taking silversmithing courses at Austin Community College, spending nearly every weekend refining my skills. Under the guidance of my professor, Martha Soto, I had the honor of apprenticing with her—learning everything from wax carving and casting to finishing and packaging jewelry to a professional, sellable standard.

That experience inspired me to launch my own small business, Chola Jewelry, through which I participated in artisan markets across Austin and began building my brand within my hometown community. My work explores the intersection of culture, memory, and identity through wearable art, often reflecting the influences of the places I’ve lived and the traditions I grew up around.

Today, I am pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I continue to refine my craft and expand my creative vision. Each piece I create carries a piece of my journey—from Guadalajara to Austin to Savannah—as I work toward building a life dedicated to art, craftsmanship, and storytelling through jewelry.