Mary Bartels
Jewelry
This beautiful Chrysocola pendant sold before it made it to my Etsy site for sale. A very lucky lady from Sacramento who has come to Open Studio scooped it up when I posted it on Instagram!
Dioptase ring approximately 2/3" square. Lots of flashy turquoise and crystal-true to phot color. Size 7 1/2
Landscape Agate Pendant is a beautiful see-through stone on an 18" necklace. Stone is approx 1" x 2/3" and is set in fine silver & sterling.
Aurora Borealis Butterfly Pendant. This monster beauty measures 2" x 1 3/4" and is truly a statement piece.
Snowflake Obsidian post with silver dangles earrings. The triangles are about 1" and the dangles are aldo 1". Very neat & I think would look great on an "all business" type woman!!
Citrine set in an unusual setting due to shape of stone. Size 6 1/2
Auralite 23 Point Pendant on a 28" necklace of Moonstone & Amethyst. The Auralite 23 is said to have 17 of 23 minerals in one specimen and aligns with soul's purpose, and links with higher self!
Royston Turquoise Pendant is probably my favorite piece of turquoise--ever. It measures about 3/4" & is set in fine silver.
Herkimer Diamond Pendant is set in a boxed fine silver bezel. It is 3/4" square and is very special!
Studio
Sacramento, CA 95818
About Mary Bartels
It's been 13 years since I fell in love with the art of Silversmithing. In those years I found a whole new outlet my artistic side was craving. Along with my love of beads, I found the techniques of Stone-setting and metal fabrication really brought me so much joy!
Those are just some of the ways I've learned to incorporate new designs in my jewelry.
I use high quality gemstones in my work, along with a variety of textures on the metals.
I retired in 2005, and moved to the Coast--Pacific Grove. Having an ocean view often inspires me, as well as calms my wandering creative thoughts. It is with this in mind that I began attending Monterey Peninsula College studying in various classes in the Metal Arts Dept. I became a Silversmith and work in metal fabrication, as well as lost wax casting. I enjoy setting all natural stones in many kinds of ways. I like to let the stone lead the way. I will sometimes use beads, as I have collected quite a treasure trove of them, but they are not always a necessary part of the design.
The passion for creating in metals moved me out of the classroom and into a home studio where I now create my pieces. I am surrounded by tall trees and a coastal breeze inspiring me while I work. I enjoy collecting new pieces to be set, and I can't wait for the next one!