Belly Dancer Earrings

Belly Dancer Earrings

Belly Dancer Earrings

One of my customers recently came to me and asked if I had ever worked in Brass. Of course I said many times we  make brass models before we make something in Silver. With the price of Silver being so high I was delighted to learn that there was some market for the less expensive metal. I put the shape on a piece of paper and started playing with different designs. The final design shown here was just what I was looking for. I glued the pattern to a piece of brass sheet and started drilling holes for the areas that needed to be cut out. Then after cutting the areas out I stamped a few little patterns on them to make them complete. Once they were polished I delivered them to my customer and she was delighted. She told me that it was very hard to find earrings for her Belly Dancing Costumes and these were exactly what she was looking for.

Butteryfly Earrings in time for Spring

Butterfly Heart EarringsJust in time for our spring collection I have taken an old proven design and created a pair of earrings to go with the original pendant.Butterfly Heart Pendant Butterflies are one those creatures that everyone adores and many are fascinated by their colors and flight. In addition we will be bringing out Jessie’s new Frogs for the spring collection. Many times we have been asked to make Frogs and we basically had no design to do it from. I will try to have pictures of those pieces for next weeks post

Buffalo Nickel Earrings with Silver Feathers

Buffalo Nickel Earrings with Silver Feathers

Buffalo Nickel Earrings with Silver Feathers

The old classic buffalo nickel is back and what a great pair of earrings these Nickels make. Jessie White took an old feather pattern of mine and turned this classic into a spectacular pair of earrings. One of the things that always bothered me about southwest jewelry was the amount of cast items that are attached for this type of earring. These Feathers are the real deal each one hand fabricated as a silversmith really should. The Buffalo Nickel Earrings come in either Buffalo or Indian side out and make a wonderful addition to anyone’s  jewelry collection.

Aspen Leaf Jewelry

Sharon Orman Aspens Watercolor

Sharon Orman Aspens Watercolor

Its getting to be that time again and I have started an aspen jewelry display in the shop. I commissioned Sharon Orman, local Pueblo, Colorado Artist to do the Aspen Watercolor for my display. The watercolor is very colorful and really gives a feeling of Fall. The Aspen Leaf Jewelry Collection is displayed with it and really makes a great theme display for my collection. I am experimenting with some new styles of leaves this year, and it should be a great aspen jewelry display for the season.

Aspen Leaf Jewelry 2010 new designs

New Aspen Leaf Earrings

New Aspen Leaf Earrings

  

A new earring will be availabe soon in Ricks collection of Aspen Leaf Jewelry. This earring is stunning in Copper, as shown on the left, and available in Sterling Silver. These Earrings are approximately the size of a U.S. Nickel and have Sterling Silver ear wires attached. These pieces are formed with a process that has been around for a long time called roll printing. A Rolling mill is used to form the design and then the leaf is cut out to leave an outstanding boarder. Rick will be offering many of these great designs in the Aspen Jewelry Collection this season.  

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Zia Jewelry:The New Mexico Sun Symbol

Black Onyx Zia Symbol Pendant

Black Onyx Zia Symbol Pendant

Well I’m on my way to Santa Fe, NM  for the weekend and thought it would be a good day for me  and my wife to adorn ourselves with some beautiful Zia Symbols. The New Mexico Sun Symbol has a lot of meanings and a great history in the southwest where we live. The Zia Symbol has four rays pointing in each direction. Here are some of the meanings and symbolism of the Zia Pendant

The Number 4 Represents:

  • The four points of the compass: north, south, east and west.
  • The four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
  • The four phases of the day: morning, noon, evening and night.
  • The four stages of life: childhood, youth, adulthood and old age.
  • The belief that with life comes four sacred obligations: to develop a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit and a devotion to the welfare of others.

The meanings of this symbol are so deep that anyone can find a meaning that is suited to them. We Love it for its rich history and great fashion. Enjoy it for whatever reason you decide.

Eagle Talon Sterling Silver Pendant, East High School Pueblo Colorado

Well it was great to see all my old Pueblo Colorado East High School classmates the other night at Angelo’s Pizza.  Some of  which I have not seen in 40 years. My Eagles were a great hit and of course many people wanted one and I had only made a few.The newest member to my Eagle collection was the promised Eagle Talon Pendant. It hangs on a leather cord and is a solid silver casting. The Brass Pendant and Earrings were also a great hit and I’m sure I will be doing more of them soon.

Buffalo Nickel Coin Jewelry

New Buffalo Nickel Sterling Silver Pendant

New Buffalo Nickel Sterling Silver Pendant

One the the most highly sought after and recognized coins in U.S. history is the Buffalo Nickel by James Fraser. This classic piece of American history was minted for a short time between 1913 and 1938.  The Indian Head Nickel as it is called by coin collectors is a true piece of American coin history. Some who like coin jewelry have  enjoyed this nickel as earrings, pendants,bracelets and rings.  Over the last 20 years I have made numerous pieces many times including money clips and cuff links for fans of Buffalo’s, CU fans which is Colorado University’s mascot, and Buffalo growers who are growing this great animal for the meat. Coin Jewelry can be very fashionable for many occasions and is a great conversation piece or gift for any occasion or holiday . This Nickel jewelry is being shown with the buffalo side exposed. The Indian head is available in all these pieces of coin jewelry.

Buffalo Nickel Sterling Silver Ring

Buffalo Nickel Sterling Silver Ring

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East High School Eagles, Pueblo, Colorado class of 1970

These earrings were designed with my 40th reunion in mind it is coming up in August in Pueblo Colorado.  Go East Eagles……..  One of my great followers asked me to design this Eagle set and she bought the pendant before it was ever finished and then she told me immediately that she needed the earrings and she got them today to her delight.  Unfortunately she is not a Pueblo East High Alum but she is a patriotic, gun toting, Eagle lover from the get-go..These kind of projects are what keep me going on those days when I find it very hard to work. I hope to have some of these for the mixer in August and will have a Eagle talon soon to add to the collection.

East High Eagle Class of 1970 Pueblo Colorado

My 40th class reunion is coming up in August.  East High School, Pueblo, Colorado class of 1970. Go East Eagles!!!!! In commemoration of that event I designed a new eagle which is our school mascot. This Pendant is made of brass and was sold within hours of being finished. I am working on some smaller versions for earrings and should have some prior to the event in August. These items can be made in Gold,Silver,and  Brass. I will have the other pieces designed soon.