Aleta Ford Baker taught herself silversmithing in high school. As she says, "I was intrigued with the process from start to finish and read many books". I earned my Gemological Institute of America diamond grading certificate and went on to study colored stones while in college, placing 2nd in the GIA's International Design contest. She also does bead weaving, and for the last 20 years has won awards, published articles and contributed new techniques to the beadwork field. Aleta …
Aleta Ford Baker taught herself silversmithing in high school. As she says, "I was intrigued with the process from start to finish and read many books". I earned my Gemological Institute of America diamond grading certificate and went on to study colored stones while in college, placing 2nd in the GIA's International Design contest. She also does bead weaving, and for the last 20 years has won awards, published articles and contributed new techniques to the beadwork field. Aleta Ford Baker's years working in jewelry design in Santa Fe gave her an appreciation for the business side. It also allowed her to work with many new gemstones and materials. Of her work, Aleta says, "bead weaving and metalwork allow me to express myself using color, texture and form. I find great joy in working with my hands".