GAYLE MINJAREZ - jeweler
For over 30 years Gayle Minjarez has focused on working with multiple metals and strong decorative textures inspired by nature and the basics of design such as contrast, pattern, proportion and open space. She hand fabricates her work and all pieces are one of a kind.
Starting with sheets of reticulated silver she created by controlled melting of the silver with a torch she creates a rolling river or mountainous pattern. Another sheet is fused gold and silver that creates a more geometric pattern. She also uses a Korean technique called Keum Boo that combines 24k gold and silver then oxidized black for a strong contrast of color.
Once the sheets are ready to use Gayle develops her designs with unusual stones that are mined from all over the world. Many of the stones are cut by independent stone cutters, including Steve Walters one the foremost stone cutters in the United States. Minjarez’s works are unique and contemporary in style and her new studio on Whidbey island has a wonderful layout for continuing her work as a studio jeweler.
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Steve Walters stone, well known American stone carver. Black Jade, Rutilated Quartz, Mexican fire opal backed with mother of pearl.
Tourmalated quartz set in 22k gold bezel. Multi chain from Greece.
2” tall
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Steve Walters stone, well known American stone carver. Black Jade, Slate, Rutilated Quartz backed with mother of pearl. Australian boulder opal set in 22k gold . Gold chain.
2” tall
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Sterling Silver Choker, multi chain with Turquoise stone and removable drop 22k gold/sterling silver, fused geometric design.
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Multi metals, sterling silver, reticulated silver, Keum Boo 24k gold/sterling silver,
bi metal 22k gold/sterling silver. Rutilated Quartz stone that is removable.
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Ammonite stone with Sapphire , reticulated silver patterns, sterling silver.
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Idaho Opal from Spencer Mines - Idaho, Pink Sapphire, reticulated silver patterns, sterling silver and 22k gold accents.
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Australian Boulder Opal Ring.
Band is combination of reticulation silver pattern and fused 22k gold and sterling silver geometric pattern. 22k gold backing.
Size 8.5
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Australian Boulder Opal Ring.
Band is combination of reticulation silver pattern and fused 22k gold and silver geometric pattern. 22k gold backing.
Size 7.
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Australian Boulder Opal Ring.
Red flashes color, fused 22k gold/sterling silver, reticulated silver, bi metal 22k back.
Size 8
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Keum Boo Earrings 24k gold/sterling silver & reticulated silver.
3” long
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London Topaz Earrings 22k gold/sterling silver, fused geometric design.
2” long
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Turquoise post earrings with removable floral drops 22k gold/sterling silver
2” long
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Pearl post earrings with removable drops 22k gold/sterling silver
2” long
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