Who we are

I am a retired Army veteran with 20 years of service, including three combat deployments and over eight years overseas. I served as a Combat Medic and Behavioral Health Technician. My journey into jewelry making began with a friend and mentor, Mike Cole; a talented artist and jewler, who recognized my struggle to find purpose after leaving the Army. Creating jewelry has provided me with a renewed sense of direction and a powerful means of self-expression, transforming the structured chaos of military life into something beautiful.

My artistic vision is deeply influenced by my mentor and also by CPT Joy Gapuzan, whom I met early in my military career. I was captivated by his exceptional talent; although painting wasn’t my strong suit, his approach to art left a lasting impression. Joy had a unique technique—after completing a piece, he would distress it, often burning the edges to enhance its beauty and intrigue. Inspired by his methods, I strive to incorporate similar elements of chaos within structure in my own creations.

Tragically, Joy passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2010, and I often think about how much he would have appreciated my work. I believe he would have found joy in my artistic journey.

Much of my jewelry features techniques such as reticulation and fusion, echoing the distinctive style Joy exemplified.

I invite you to explore the creative journey that is Kaveh’s Fine Jewelry.