Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry reveals the captivating history of the art of American Indian jewelry making, uncovering the ancient techniques, tools, and materials that have made contemporary southwestern jewelry what it is today. Revolutionists such as Hopi artist Charles Loloma, Navajo silversmith Kenneth Begay, Mexican/Mission jeweler Preston Monongye, and other jewelers began using varied materials and techniques traditionally unknown to the southwest. Pardue has researched the history and contemporary forms of metalworking, gems, stone patterning, and more, plus has dedicated a portion of the book to emerging artists whose work is capturing attention today. As you explore Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry's stunning photography, let the art speak to you of how it came to be and what it represents, echoing a similar message still told by traditional Native American jewelry

The artist-makers represented here come from every region of the United States, making this book a compilation of many native traditions as well as modern styles. Exciting background ideas are expressed in the details of these works, so their study and appreciation is quite fascinating. Over 50 living jewelry masters of Native American heritage are featured in this lavish new book. Their dynamic work includes many pieces that were awarded at recent juried shows. Tufa casting, stone cutting, engraving, metalsmithing, and other technical skills that are highly refined and personalized are evident, demonstrating the work of true Masters in this evolving field. See and be inspired by new designs in bead necklaces, silver bracelets, pendants, pins, earrings, belts, and rings, as well as sculpture that ranks as wearable art. Marvel at the new pieces by top masters living today.

A dazzling exploration of both traditional and contemporary jewelry. Spectacular photographs of the beautiful jewelry and sensitive portraits of the artists combine with an insightful, informative text to capture the spirit of this work and of the cultures from which it springs. Includes a collector's guide and a directory of sources. 210 illustrations, 155 in full color.

The lovely stone inlay work in Zuni jewellery is world famous and here it is shown in popular forms for men and women. 90 brilliant colour photographs and a brand new price guide present hundreds of Zuni jewellery forms to tempt and delight collectors throughout Asia, Europe and America. Modern artists are identified.

« Totems to Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts of the Northwest and Southwest celebrates the timeless beauty and power of the jewelry of the American Southwest and Northwest Coast, two regions with distinguished traditions of visual creation whose contemporary artists continue to work in the best of those traditions while expanding upon them to make jewelry an art form expressive of individual vision and creativity." "Lavishly illustrated, both with historical photographs and a wealth of new photography commissioned for this publication, Totems to Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts of the Northwest and Southwest will be an important resource for students, scholars, designers, and indeed for anyone who loves beautiful and well-made objects. 185 illustrations, including 150 plates in full color. »--Résumé de l'éditeur.

With a fascinating variety of American Indian rings from the southwestern United States shown in more than 350 color photos, this book provides a design history of these rings, beginning with pre-contact artifacts and continuing through to contemporary artistic innovations. The text surveys key developments in Native American ring design; materials and methods of construction; definitions for historical and vintage rings; master innovators; and the transition from craft to wearable art since 1980. Shortly after the Civil War, Native American artisans began making silver rings set with turquoise, coral, jet, mother-of-pearl, and colored shell, adding lapis, malachite, onyx, and petrified wood over the decades. More recently, artisans began utilizing gold and such non-traditional settings as opals and diamonds, among others. Works by Navajo (also known as Din) and Pueblo artists are featured, although Apache, Northern Cheyenne, and Sonoran Desert Native jewelers are also included. A guide to valuation issues and resources is offered for collectors.