CHJ Inspo

A Time for Turquoise

A Time for Turquoise

Turquoise has always been one of my favorite stones. It has been popular for centuries among indigenous people across the globe- from the Southwestern United States, to the desert plains of the Middle East, and has a huge range of colors and textures, which make it fantastic for jewelry designing.

 

Turquoise was originally found in New Mexico and Colorado by primitive Native Americans who mined them with hand fashioned stone tools. Mines in New Mexico are considered the oldest turquoise mines in the USA, and today Arizona and Nevada are the biggest producers of turquoise by value, with more than 150 mines. Colorado has some of the most unique forms of turquoise, 

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People We Love: Dan Flavin, Artist

People We Love: Dan Flavin, Artist
Carrie Hoffman Jewelry often takes inspiration from other artists, time periods, and antique designs. The vision of Dan Flavin is a perfect bridge between architectural thought-piece installations, and architectural, wearable, art considering his unique use of color, shape, and space. Dan Flavin was born of Irish decent in New York, on April 1, 1933. His twin brother, David, who suffered and died from polio in 1962, served as inspiration to one if his earliest series, Icons, which were box-like structures made out of various materials, then illuminated from the sides with different types of lighting. From here, his particular Continue reading

People We Love: Donald Judd, Sculptor and Designer

People We Love: Donald Judd, Sculptor and Designer
When it comes to finding inspiration for my jewelry, I find that much of my enthusiasm stems from my love of architecture and interior design. The CHJ Judd ring was essentially born from minimalism- an art movement focused on paired-down design principles; a movement which was possibly a reaction to the over- embellished abstract expressionism that came before it. Many artists experimented with minimalism, but only some mastered it. Donald Judd, a sculpture and furniture designer based out of New York, was one of these minimalist pioneers who helped paved the way for better design. Here we see the Corner Frame chair, next to our Judd ring (clearly named after my muse) which can be worn three ways!  Continue reading