Archive for the 'Earrings' Category


August 12, 2010

Peridot – August Birthstone

Author: cathy lynn

peridot, green pearls, vintage chartreuse Czech glass, pale green button pearl and matte gold 16" neckpiece by jewelry artist, Susan Green

Accent your wardrobe with the sparkling citrus shade of a peridot art jewelry.  The vivid green of peridot, with just a slight hint of gold, is the ideal gemstone color to go with that light summer wardrobe. No wonder since peridot is the gemstone of the summer month of August.

Interesting Facts about Peridot

Peridot jewelry can be traced right back to the Bible where it’s mentioned by its original name – Chrysolite – and was one of the stones worn by Aaron in his breastplate. Some Biblical references also mention it as Pitdah. Referred to as the Gem of the Sun by Egyptians who mined it by moonlight, Peridot jewelry enjoyed great popularity with King Solomon and Cleopatra (who named it “evening emerald”), as well as the ancient Incas and Aztecs adorned themselves with Peridot rings, Peridot men’s rings, Peridot earrings and Peridot pendants to reap the many physical, mystical and psychological benefits of this gemstone.


• “Healer’s Stone”
• Brings understanding of destiny and purpose
• Associated with the Heart Chakra
• Clears the path to the heart and heals damaged egos
• Fosters emotional balance and helps us heal from past emotional wounds
• Releases negative vibrations and promotes clarity and well being
• Adds intelligence to your romantic situations

Visit art jewelry at Gallery Five.



July 29, 2010

Driftwood Jewelry

Author: cathy lynn

New Mexico jewelry artist Nina Morrow creates the most fantastic pieces from driftwood and other materials found along the Rio Grande. Each of her beads is cut and formed by hand. She uses a wood burner and cuts into the surface of the beads giving them an almost tribal quality. On some of her work, she dyes the beds bright shades of green, red or orange.

These pieces are extremely lightweight – the look of large jewelry without the weight. Each design is a handcrafted original.

Visit Gallery Five for more art jewelry by Nina Morrow and other jewelry artists.



July 22, 2010

found objects, vintage, fiber art jewelry

Author: cathy lynn

Children's Blocks by Penelope Weinstein

Artist’s Statement
Penelope Weinstein creates one-of-a-kind art to wear jewelry from found objects.  Each piece is entirely unique and incorporates a range of unusual materials, such as pencils, milk tokens, buttons, or bullet casings.

Penny’s unique art jewelry evolves from many years workng in various creative media including graphics, painting, collage, basketry and sculpture. Today her work focuses on the three-dimensionality of sculpture and jewelry. In creating this jewelry, she explores the interplay of antique and unusual objects with the textures of hand-knitted felted wool and other fibers.

Browse GalleryFive.com collection and Penelope Weinstein.

"Please Recycle" by Penelope Weinstein



May 12, 2010

Contemporary Jewelry

Author: cathy lynn

The shapes of Lisa Ceccorulli’s art jewelry take the forms of stepping stones used to make walkways through ancient Japanese gardens. The stones (as well as some of the plants) were arranged in groups of threes, fives, and sevens. Today, Buddhist temples still have gardens based on the 3-5-7 design.

oxidized sterling silver and 22k gold


To imitate the texture of those stones, Ceccorulli hammers the metal against a rock and then sandblasts sandblasts it. The fused appliqués of 22k gold reflect her interpretation of the elements in a landscape. Through this collection, she tries to express the feeling of contentment and completeness that a Japanese garden can provide.

Lisa looks at three, five, and seven as symbols of the steps to contentment.



April 20, 2010

Art Jewery by Keith Lewis

Author: cathy lynn

Keith Lewis has been designing and making jewelry for over twenty-five years.  Keith is a favorite of Gallery Five where a fine collection of his art-to-wear jewelry can be found.

Jewelry artist, Keith Lewis artist statement  … “In my work I explore the line between accident and control, manipulating the inherent qualities of natural materials. I am currently using a mineral called mica which has been shellacked together forming an amber colored natural material. I laminate layers of this amber mica to form the structure of the piece of jewelry, then apply 23K goldleaf and inset natural pearls and precious stones. I contrast this formal construction with serendipitous surface treatment such as my version of a very old Japanese patina; I heat copper to bright red, expose it to wood particles, and then plunge it into boiling water which creates an organic and unpredictable “Raku” effect. I strive to capture not only the beauty of the natural materials themselves, but the surprises that arise from working with them.”



April 10, 2010

Oxidized Sterling Silver Jewelry

Author: cathy lynn

Lisa Ceccorulli, jewelry artist, hand-fabricates pendants, bracelets, and earrings using brushed sterling silver or oxidized sterling silver with 22k gold accents. She creates textures by hammering, sandblasting and roll printing.


The shapes of Lisa Ceccorulli’s art jewelry take the forms of stepping stones used to make walkways through ancient Japanese gardens. The stones (as well as some of the plants) were arranged in groups of threes, fives, and sevens. Today, Buddhist temples still have gardens based on the 3-5-7 design.

To imitate the texture of those stones, Ceccorulli hammers the metal against a rock and then sandblasts it. The fused appliqués of 22k gold reflect her interpretation of the elements in a landscape.

Lisa says she likes to look at three, five, and seven as symbols of the steps to contentment.




March 2, 2010

Patricia McCleery Jewelry Artist

Author: cathy lynn

Gallery Five Show of Jewelry Artist, Patricia McCleery – March 1-31, 2010

Celebrated in Santa Fe for her innovative designs, Patricia McCleery studied with famed Hopi Jeweler Charles Loloma and designed for the Smithsonian Catalog. Lapidary Journal, American Style Magazine and the Santa Fean have noted her work.

Patricia has been fascinated with the amulets and talismans of ancient cultures. The ancient cliff dwellings of the Southwest inspired her 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. An ancient message retold in modern time.

Pictured to the right is a Patricia McCleery sterling silver pendant with 22k gold accents with an ivory fossil face. Leather linen cord.  This distinctive pendant is 3″ x 3 1/2″ – length 17″.

Browse Gallery Five collections of American made art jewelry by prominent and promising artisans.



February 19, 2010

Designing jewelry

Author: cathy lynn

mother-of-pearl, stainless steel and sterling silver

Artist Profile: Barbara Silverstein

As a designer whose strength is minimal architectural classic lines, Barbara SilverStein’s response to the purity of the intristic beauty of braided stainless steel was immediate and total. Each art to wear piece and its findings are formed by hand. SilverStein’s standard for excellence includes achieving total comfort while maintaining exquisite craftsmanship. The finished result is both timeless and maintenance free.

Award winning designer and artist, Barbara SilverStein will share with you the process of knitting and braiding stainless steel and gold. Her creations are combined with fresh water pearls, washed jade and semiprecious stones.there is a stark, minimalist elegance.

More art to wear jewelry at Gallery Five.



February 2, 2010

Amethyst gemstone lore

Author: cathy lynn
amethyst necklace design by Julie Shaw

amethyst necklace by Julie Shaw

amethyst neckpiece by Marty Schaerer

amethyst by Marty Schaerer

February’s traditional birthstone and the suggested stone for the 6th anniversary. Amethyst is the most valued member of the quartz family and can be found in numerous shades of purple, lilac and mauve.

A beautiful quartz, usually purple, or violet in color, Amethyst is a stone of pure love, it is beautiful as well as spiritual and it has no negative side effects. It is therefore a must for anyone’s crystal and jewelry collection!

When held in your receptive hand (left hand if you are right handed and right if you are left handed) an Amethyst’s peaceful vibrations aid in soothing, de-stressing and calming – especially helpful after a stress-filled day.

Or wear Amethyst next to your skin to keep you calm in stressful situations.

When placed beneath the pillow Amethyst is said to be able to ward off nightmares and insomnia.

It aids peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams – which can sometimes be prophetic.

Healing Properties

Amethyst inspires the healing of all organs and brings about mental peace and a state of relaxation.

The gift of Amethyst is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty.  It is said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship, so it is an ideal anniversary or engagement gem.  Whether or not Amethyst holds such power, its stunning beauty will certainly make anyone who wears it feel like royalty!

According to Legend

Amethyst originated when Bacchus, the God of Wine, grew angry at mortals. He vowed the next mortal that crossed his path would be eaten by tigers. At that time, a beautiful young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to worship the Goddess Diana. Diana, knowing of Bacchus vow, turned Amethyst into a pillar of colorless quartz to protect her from the tigers. Bacchus, witnessing the miracle, repented and poured wine over Amethyst, staining her purple.

If gazing into the sparkling purple depths of an Amethyst suffuses you with a sense of powerful well being, this is only to be expected.  The ancient Greeks believed that this gemstone held many powers, among them protection against intoxication.  In fact, the word Amethyst comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” meaning sober.   In ancient Greece, the gemstone was associated with the god of wine, and it was common practice to serve this beverage from Amethyst goblets in the belief that this would prevent overindulgence.  Even today, Amethyst is considered a stabilizing force for those struggling to overcome addictive behaviors.




January 18, 2010

Contemporary Jewelry

Author: cathy lynn
Baharal-Gnida oval bronze earrings with sterling silver lines. Clips.

Baharal-Gnida oval bronze earrings with sterling silver lines. Clips.

Handmade contemporary jewelry can be the perfect gift to yourself or to someone special, with the unique design suggesting that she is one-of-a-kind.

Art jewelry consists of necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, pins and pendants with both elaborate and simple elegant designs.

You can look your stylish best and definitely stand out from the crowd if you wear jewelry that is contemporary. If you are going out on a date and you want to appear unique without having to say much,  modern jewelry will definitely speak a lot more about your personality than what you can convey while talking.

Handmade earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets can all be found at Gallery Five.