Earlier this week, when I opened my Gallery Five newsletter, I was taken by the Southwestern inspired jewelry of Patricia McCleery, who lives and works in Sante Fe, New Mexico. McCleery had a great mentor - one of her teachers was the famed Hopi jeweler Charles Loloma, whose work is known internationally.
The Southwestern motif comes across dramatically in all of McLeery's work. Her gorgeous "Leaf" necklace (below) has small 22K gold leaves and opals, separated by handmade silver textured beads.
McLeery's artist's statement nicely sums up the inspirations behind her work: "I have always been fascinated with the amulets and talismans of ancient cultures. The ancient cliff dwellings of the Southwest inspired me to use Prehistoric Mammoth tusk and Australian Boulder Opal in combination with silver and 22K gold to create pieces that connect us to a mysterious ancient message."
Here is the Boulder Opal Necklace with handmade silver textured beads. Aren't the colors in the opals just gorgeous?
The Mammoth Ivory Cuff (below) made from silver and inlays of 22K gold looks like it came from Africa.
This playful pendant with a carved fossilized ivory figure with inlays of 22K gold that practically jump off the figure is striking.
Obviously, I'm a fan of jewelry made with big, beautifully colored, natural stones. But these designs are stunning and an outstanding modern interpretation of ancient cultures.
You can see more at Patricia McCleery.
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