Carolyn Pollack Jewelry

From the turquoise sky to the red rock mesas, the colors of nature have always encouraged the people of the Southwest to adorn themselves in equal splendor. These earrings capture the vibrant contrast of orange spiny oyster shell and mosaic inlay of natural variscite and blue turquoise fragments hand enameled into sterling channels. The perfect splash of color for your ears, earrings measure 3/4inches L x 1/2inch W. Sterling posts. Made in New Mexico, USA.

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 deep blue color of lapis features golden Pyrite inclusions that twinkle like little stars. It was one of the first stones ever to be used and worn for jewelry. Known as the alternative birthstone for September and the traditional birthstone for December, lapis is believed to help overcome depression, insomnia, and vertigo.
• Orange spiny oyster shell symbolizes the life that flourished in the mystical oceans, far away from the desert southwest. Spiny oyster shell originates in the Sea of Cortez off the coast of Baja California, Mexico.
• Southwesterners prized turquoise, the heart of Southwestern tradition, as currency, as a talisman of good health, and most importantly as beautiful jewelry. Known as the modern birthstone for December, turquoise heals and promotes spiritual attunement. It attracts abundance and prosperity. Several Southwestern states celebrate it as their state stone: Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.

Care Instructions - Like all fine jewelry, CP SIGNATURE™ jewelry should be handled carefully. Store jewelry in a ziploc 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 immerse in chlorine, silver dips, chemical solutions, or ultrasonic cleaners, as these substances can cause damage to the gemstones. Never wear jewelry in a chlorinated pool or spa.

The Inlaid Treasures Collection captures the colors and elements of the Southwest in unique, abstract geometric patterns. The natural beauty of the rugged mountains, rolling hills, sweeping desert, and endless sky are depicted in an inlay pattern with shards of brightly colored gemstones like blue lapis, orange spiny oyster shell, and turquoise. The collection's colorful, sterling silver pendants, earrings, and rings are inspired by the culture and landscape of the Southwest – the intricate weaving pattern of a traditional gathering rug, an excursion along the Rio Grande River, or a hike into a field of wildflowers.

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.