Overview

My jewelry is an expression of my love of nature as well as contemporary architecture and industrial design. Juxtaposing clean, architectural lines with organic, elemental forms, I create spirited, sculptural objects that are not only wearable, but that stand alone as art. My aesthetic vision is an exploration of opposites in the spirit of balance. Embracing both masculine and feminine archetypes while using ancient and modern techniques, my creative process is both rational and intuitive. I blend form and materials, while emphasizing the wearability of design until I find a combination that is balanced, elegant, and timeless.

My creative process, from original idea to object, is energized by the belief that my work will encompass both universal and intimate appeal. Drawing on the ancient ritual and tradition of body adornment, my creations serve as personal icons for the wearer and speak to their independent style. Every creation finds its axis on its wearer both at rest and in motion. It is the combined language of image and form that, when worn, speak to the body and the eye as well as the soul.

Firmly rooted in the historical traditions of my craft, my jewelry is all hand formed; techniques include forging, fabricating and casting. Different combinations of techniques allow me to showcase the innate beauty of the materials while creating objects of enduring quality. In my studio I employ standard machinery such as a grinding wheel, a belt sander, a flexible shaft and a drill press as well as an assortment of hand tools, such as hammers and pliers, some self-made.

In the pursuit of subtle, refined, beauty every piece is meticulously hand textured. Patinas include oxidizing and vermeil and select pieces are adorned with high karat gold leaf. By integrating traditional elements such as semi-precious stones as well as unusual elements such as synthetic stones, concrete and Venetian plaster, I create objects which enjoy a broad appeal.

I am the sole creator of each piece of jewelry on display, with the exception of Damon Hendon (a collaborative effort) and I perform all aspects of its manufacture with the exception of some casting and all plating. My designs are shaped by my own life, creative passion, and experience as a jeweler in the world's most diverse urban environment.

Cubic Zirconias

A distinctive, open design, this line combines geometric shapes with bold texture to create sculptural jewelry for daily wear. A marriage of modern materials and ancient techniques, each piece is entirely hand fabricated from cut tubing and hand textured using a hammer that was crafted by the artist. The bold texture has a striking reflective quality.  An exquisite shape effortlessly supports a gentle sweep of fire and brilliance to create an elegant work of enduring quality and timeless style.

High quality synthetic stones offer an environmentally friendly, conflict-free alternative to traditional gemstones.  Every item is available in your choice of premium Swiss cubic zirconia, Signity Star cubic zirconia by Swarovski or Mossanite by Charles & Clovard.

Concrete

Concrete is a mixture of cement and aggregate, I choose the aggregate based on the desired texture Sand gives each concrete piece in this line it's rich texture while environmentally-safe, natural, non-toxic pigments provide vibrant color.  Concrete is poured into sterling silver, cured for strength and sealed to create innovative, original and surprisingly sophisticated concrete jewelry.

Gilded Stucco Veneziano

This line features Stucco Veneziano, an ancient stuccoed surface coating with a marble dust base similar to modern Venetian Plaster.  Marble provides a smooth canvas for 23 karat patent gold leaf while environmentally-safe, natural, non-toxic pigments provide soft color.  The mix is poured into sterling silver, cured for strength, sealed, gilded and waxed to create striking objects of wearable art.

Damon Hendon

Each work features a delicate fresco of native Arizona birds and plants hand painted on smooth Stucco Veneziano; an ancient stuccoed surface coating with a marble dust base, similar to modern Venetian Plaster.   Damon Hendon is a collaborative effort combining the metal and concrete work of Val Damon with the painting, gilding and surface finishes of Jean Hendon.  Sterling silver is formed to reflect shapes found Sonoran desert, the upturned arms of the saguaro and the arc of the prickly pear ripe with fruit.

Paintings by Jean Hendon

The colors of Burma 4' X 3'	Thai Morning 4' X 5'	Woofie in a Comfortable Chair 4' X 3'