Jewelry in New Mexico is a vast and unwieldy category that spans histories, styles, trends, techniques, and materials. As such, there are multiple avenues by which to approach the topic, and no article could do justice to them all. For our first foray into jewelry and fashion, we decided to focus on curating a selection of pieces spotted at galleries across Santa Fe and Albuquerque that have minimalist, sculptural qualities rooted in earthy simplicity. Across this spread of images, mixed metals and stones are used in a straightforward manner, which allows the materials’ innate qualities to shine. In some instances, geometric shapes transform jewelry into minimalist sculpture; in others, organic forms and textures take the stage. In all instances, these pieces are effortlessly stylish and infinitely wearable.
Michele Scholnick
Pave Egg necklace
14k yellow gold & .05 ct diamond
Found at IMEC, Albuquerque
Frank Patania
Set of Silver Rings
sterling silver, ring sizes: 5.75 and 7
Found at Shiprock Santa Fe
DB/CD by Debra Baxter
Opal Aura Crystal in Bronze Necklace
opal aura quartz, bronze
Found at form & concept, Santa Fe
clockwise from left:
Ulla & Martin Kaufmann
Aquamarine Double Ring
18k yellow gold, aquamarine
Found at Patina Gallery, Santa Fe
Victor Atyas
Gold Contructed Cuff Bracelet
14k gold
Found at form & concept, Santa Fe
Sam Woehrmann
Geometric Ruby ring
18k yellow gold, 22k yellow gold, 2.02 ct ruby, size 7
Found at IMEC, Albuquerque
Maria Samora
ring, 18k gold with large guava moonstone, size 9
Found at Blue Rain Gallery, Santa Fe
Maria Samora
Strata Diamond necklace
oxidized sterling silver, 18k gold, diamond, 30 in chain, pendant: 2.5 x 1.5 in.
Found at Blue Rain Gallery, Santa Fe
Karen Konzuk
Carina Nebula earrings
stainless steel, black concrete, diamond dust
Found at IMEC
Terri Logan
Faceted Trapezoid & Oval necklace
sterling silver with patina, black pebble, Montana agate
Found at IMEC, Albuquerque
Split Pebble earrings
sterling silver with patina, black pebble
Found at IMEC, Albuquerque
Kelsey Simmen
Sterling Silver Satin Finish Sweet Chunk Ring
silver, satin finish, size 7
Found at form & concept, Santa Fe
Hilde Leiss
ring, rutilated quartz and silver
Found at Patina Gallery, Santa Fe
anonymous
Navajo Hubbell Glass Ring, ca 1920s
Hubbell glass and silver, size 9.5
Found at Shiprock Santa Fe
clockwise from upper left:
Karen Konzuk
Antares Major ring
stainless steel, black concrete, diamond dust, size 8.75
Found at IMEC, Albuquerque
Maria Samora
18k gold, sterling silver, #8 turquoise, diamond,
30 in chain, pendant: 1.25 x 2 in
Found at Blue Rain Gallery, Santa Fe
Janis Kerman
Bar Ring
18k gold, sterling silver, smokey quartz, garnet, citrine
Found at form & concept, Santa Fe
Fan Ring
18k gold, sterling silver, palladium
Found at form & concept, Santa Fe
Keri Ataumbi
Kiowa Hoop Earrings with Dangles
18k gold and diamonds, 1.5 in diameter, 2 in drop
Found at Shiprock Santa Fe
Kiowa Earrings with Buffalo Horn
18k gold, buffalo horn, diamonds, 2 in drop
Found at Shiprock Santa Fe