Sunrise Necklace by Shirley Price
Gorgeous Sonoran Sunset stones are set in fine silver bezels and backs with sterling silver twigs and findings, and the artist's signature pearl.
Sonora Sunrise, also known as Sonora Sunset and Cuprite Chrysocolla, is a hydrous copper oxide mineral containing Brochantite (with occasional Chrysocolla) and red Cuprite (Chalcotrichite, the orange variety of Cuprite may also be found in small amounts). A black banding of Tenorite (a Copper oxide) divides the two minerals, with the rock matrix being Limestone. Sonora Sunrise was recently discovered in 2006 at the Milpillas Copper Mine. This mine is about 50 miles south of the United States-Mexico border, near the town of Santa Cruz, Sonora, Mexico. Its name was derived from the similarly gorgeous colorful sunrises the Mexican state is widely known for.
Total pendant size is approximately 3.5" long. Comes on a 24" sterling silver chain.
Handcrafted by Shirley Price of Indio, California.
A cool elegance and soothing balance draws the viewer into Shirley's limited edition, fine silver collection. The Asian-inspired pieces announce the beautiful symmetry of line and color. Her designs express the visual and emotional relationship between the metal and stones, thereby establishing the best possible marriage of the two. They are the melding of contemporary with the best of heritage, delivering pieces that are commanding when viewed, dramatic when worn.
Free-form, hand-cut, hand-polished cabochons are selected for the depth of color and intriguing textures. These are set with fine and sterling silver. A single pearl on each piece has become my recognized signature. My pieces are often named for a virtue; grace, gratitude, joy, happiness, and peace.
Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Shirley's artistic life path has taken many turns. Starting with knitting and selling baby booties, caps, sewing some of her own clothes at the age of 10, she has explored pottery, weaving, leather work, leaded glass and watercolors. Shirley recalls her mother saying, "Art is a story worth telling."
Shirley found her heart's story when she discovered precious metal work. Studying fabrication in California at the Irvine Fine Arts Center and the Revere Goldsmith School in San Francisco allowed her to hone her art. Drawn to the quiet balance of the Asian culture and inspired by beautiful colored stones gathered on trips around the world, Shirley creates her unique pieces "to reflect a woman's innate individuality, beauty and mystery."
Find more of Shirley's work here.
