"I love being a part of the tradition as much as I enjoy the sensual pleasure of working directly with stone and metal. It's rewarding to be a part of an ancient lineage, and to be able to add to that history with my own creativity."
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Santa Fe and silver have had a symbotic relationship with each other for centuries. Like the brilliant blue of the sky above, the silver and turquoise in the ground just out side the city is a natural resource which has always been treasured as something uniquely Santa Fe.
Active in the craft since 1974, silversmith Jerry Faires makes his jewlery using the techniques of Tufa casting ingots which he forges , chases, and die stamps with self made tools.
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In addition to the tufa process, Faires has been a long time rock collector, roaming through the hills in his community of Cerrillos, seeking the unique veins of turquoise that have made New Mexico a favored spot for stone collectors world-wide.
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In addition to the traditional concho belt, Faires makes beautiful buckles, earrings, necklaces, and mens and ladies braclets.
Faires' work has evolved over the years to include the use of high-carot gold and many precious stones beyond the traditional palette of the New Mexico silversmith.
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"My favorite format is to custom design pieces that are a true reflection of each individual. I have stones that have been with me for decades, and finally find their home with people to who love them like I have. I am always available to discuss custom work."
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