Item #4-6132-014
Artfully designed by Carolyn Pollack! Sterling silver cut out designs let the elegant black agate rectangular stone peek through just brilliantly. Wear with any of your other sterling favorites or with coordinating pieces from our Pueblo Patterns jewelry collection. Earrings measure 1 5/16 inches L and have sterling posts with butterfly clutches. Made in New Mexico, USA.
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.
Living in pueblos along the Rio Grande River, Southwestern women carry their pottery on their heads after filling them with the life-giving waters. The Pueblo Patterns sterling silver jewelry collection celebrates the tradition and beauty of Southwest pottery and tapestries and the artists who have gracefully crafted them for centuries.
The unique and colorful shards of pottery, as well as intricate rug weavings, are replicated in the Pueblo Patterns jewelry using traditional design techniques like channel inlay. Bright gemstones like turquoise, lapis, and black agate are joined with mixed metals, including silver, copper, and brass to create a smooth canvas of geometric patterns and color. The collection mirrors the rich tapestry of Southwestern culture and tradition expressed through age-old ceremonies, fiestas, and artwork.
The design elements of Pueblo Patterns jewelry stand out boldly when worn against solid-colored outfits. The geometric patterns mirror the pop culture of the 60's and 70's, a source of inspiration for many designers this season. Polished silver pieces with elegant white mother of pearl and black agate are an obvious choice for dressy occasions, while more brightly colored pieces reveal the wearer's personal style and independent spirit.
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. Silver is often incorporated into the design, separating and distinguishing the individual stones. The Pueblo Patterns pieces also feature 14K gold accents in the patterns.
Pave' (pronounced pa-vay) comes from the word, "pavement", as in cobblestones laid closely together. Pave' texture is a process where tiny, pin-size holes are swiftly jack hammered onto a piece of tarnish-resistant sterling silver. Striking the silver gives the piece a luminescent look that resembles sparkling diamonds and is the look achieved in several Pueblo Patterns bracelets and pendants.
The collection also showcases mixed metals - sterling silver rings and watches are enhanced with a touch of copper and brass, while 14K and 18K rose and yellow gold add elegance to earrings, pendants, and bracelets.
• 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.
• White mother of pearl absorbs negative energy and soothes emotional stress. Celebrated as the modern birthstone for June, mother of pearl is the iridescent substance that forms the lining of the shells of some fresh-water and salt-water mollusks.
• 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.
• Believed to bring courage and prosperity, black agate raises consciousness and builds self-confidence. Its grounding effect improves perception and harmonizes the physical, mental, and emotional states. Agate is also believed to overcome bitterness of heart and inner anger. It is found in the United States, India, Morocco, Czech Republic, Brazil, and Africa.
