Necklace in 18 Karat Gold and Candelaria Turquoise
Mark Bahti approached me to make a vine necklace the type of which has been selling very well for me in sterling and turquoise. He had just purchased a lot of Candelaria turquoise and we both agreed it need to go into 18 Karat Gold.
As I have posted before, I grade my stones into Platinum, Gold and Silver grades. I will break my own rule about what stone I will put in what metal I have a hard time putting a gold grade stone in silver. This is pure snobbery on my part. I love the gold and turquoise combination and put them together when ever I can.
The vine design was influenced by my grandfather who made very complicated vine design pieces. He made these pieces for the parties and balls that he was involved with in the 1950’s. My father got away from the visually complicated pieces and became known for his modernist design. The piece that was accepted by the Smithsonian from my grandfather was a Vine pattern bracelet and my father’s was two modernist bracelets. The bracelet of mine accepted by the Smithsonian was right between the two previous generations in design and drew heavily on both.
I wanted to modernize the vine design and slim it down so that women would get more wear from them.
Just working with the Candelaria was a treat for me, it’s the only piece I have made with Candelaria. I also made earrings to go with this necklace. These pieces are available at Mark Bahti’s shop, www.bahti.com , in Tucson; 4330 N. Campbell, #73, 85718, Ph# 520-577-0290 and in Santa Fe; 119 E. Palace Ave., 85701, Ph# 505-983-4542
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