Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico inspires me daily with its magical colors, remarkable vistas and abundance of creative catalysts. Collecting beads, talismans and other beautiful and original objects has been a life time passion. I have had the good fortune of spending many years in Asia and traveling the world extensively. This has provided the opportunity to acquire a vast array of treasures.
Turning these wonderful objects into one of a kind pieces of wearable art is endlessly stimulating. But what I find most rewarding is seeing my clients and friends wearing and enjoying my work.
I love the history associated with beading. One can only imagine the many hands that have held my antique/vintage beads. Many Venetian beads that originated during Marco Polo’s era have managed to find their way throughout the world. From the earliest times African nomadic tribes have used beads for adornment, magic and trade. Many of my necklaces use red/white heart beads that are from the early 1800’s to the early 1900’s. They moved from Venice to Africa and by some wonder to my little jewelry studio in Santa Fe, NM. Also, how about those wonderful 1920’s French Flapper handbags? The ones that are falling apart I disassemble, clean and use the tiny micro-metal beads in many of my pieces. Again, I wonder about the Ladies that owned those handbags a hundred years ago.
I so enjoy mixing these old, lovely components with new and vintage pendants, charms and gemstones. Everything from Yoruba tribe (Nigeria) currency circles to cloisonne, cinnabar, ostrich bone beads and other unusual finds get incorporated into my work.
Each piece I sell whether it is a simple everyday necklace to wear with a T-shirt to a gorgeous multi-strand necklace that is filled with lots of fun components is unique and continues its travel down the road of history to its new home. I hope you enjoy my work and the spirit that went into its creation!
About Custom Jewelry:
Incorporate your old favorite jewelry into something special and new. I have used old charms, pins, beads and other materials to create wonderful new keepsakes to wear.
If you are interested please contact me by e-mail or telephone.
kris.dirtroadjewelry@gmail.com
505 577 8898
PS When viewing my website please direct your mouse on the photo to get enlargements and view more detail.