Barbara Weber
Yoffee

" One could say that jewelry is small sculpture, but I think of metal as my canvas and gemstones as my palette." I’m a jewelry designer, a metalsmith and a GIA graduate gemologist. In creating handmade jewelry you are essentially making wearable art. My inspiration comes primarily from classic ancient jewelry styles, many of which are timeless. Archeological treasures of ancient civilizations, particularly those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, have been a primary inspiration for my work. The vibrant colors and landscapes of Brazil, India, and China where I have traveled extensively, as well as my beloved New Mexico have also captured my imagination. Color, texture and light interact and evoke emotions in a harmonious, thoughtful design. Using only recycled and fair trade metals, I love to play with various textures of gold and silver and accent designs with patina. I also like to mix different gemstone cuts and colors for a bold look. As a gemologist every gemstone is precious and I prefer working with unusual pearls and stones with natural organic shapes. I have produced collections for museum shops, such as the “Suq” at the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago, and for the Santa Fe Opera Shop as well. My work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the Midwest and in Santa Fe. During the Tour Weekends I will be giving two Studio Talks. On Ancient Jewelry and another on the Lure + Lore of Gemstones.