Carolyn Pollack Jewelry

Like wildflowers bursting into bloom after a sudden rain, the soft colors of the desert pop against azure skies in this Southwest-inspired ring. Gemstones of green variscite, pink rhodonite, purple sugilite, and green turquoise are inlaid within sterling silver channels in a diamond-shaped geometric pattern. The elongated bezel flatters any finger shape, and floral sterling silver detail on the shank gives a feminine feel to this bold ring. Measures 1" long x 3/4" wide. Made in the USA.

Like all fine jewelry, Carolyn Pollack jewelry should be handled carefully. Store jewelry in a plastic bag, dry and wrapped in tissue paper, when not being worn or displayed. Clean sterling silver with a silver polishing cloth when necessary, but never subject to chlorine, silver dips, chemical solutions or ultrasonic cleaners, as these substances can cause the gemstones to discolor. Never wear jewelry in a swimming pool.

Channel and mosaic inlay are traditional Southwestern jewelry techniques that give the Inlaid Treasures collection its rich tapestry of color.

Also known as chip inlay, mosaic inlay is a modern adaptation of two earlier techniques - mosaic inlay lapidary and overlay silverwork. Background areas of silver overlay that would be left black in the original overlay method are instead filled with an epoxy and mosaic fragments of turquoise, jet, black onyx, coral, and other materials, similar to ancient pottery shards. Mosaic inlay was first made in the early 1960's by a few highly creative Southwestern silversmiths in northeastern Arizona.

Channel inlay involves incredible lapidary skills. Genuine stones and shells are cut into precise sizes and shapes, in order to fit together in a silver setting like a perfect puzzle. The result is a vibrant geometric pattern of color. Often, as with Inlaid Treasures, silver is incorporated into the channel inlay design, separating and distinguishing the individual stones.

The unique color combinations of the Inlaid Treasures collection give a nod to this spring's ethnic and tribal trends, complementing a casual denim outfit or creating a focal point for a dressier ensemble. Inspired by the traditional channel and mosaic inlay techniques of Southwest natives, Inlaid Treasures transforms the rituals of the culture into a modern expression of artistic jewelry.