The Golden Eye

Johanna Berge

Johanna was born and raised in Lake City, Minnesota on the Mississippi River. For most of her life, she has been immersed in her role as a mother, and her career as a physical therapist.

Johanna is an avid fan of the outdoors and derives much fulfillment from hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and spending time with her animals. The harmony and balance of nature inspired her to begin working with precious stones and metals. A trip to the Argyle mine in Australia left her enamored with natural colored diamonds. Her travels to the Middle East added an earthy opulence to her striking designs.

Although Johanna's intention was to express her joy and creativity through her jewelry and share it with a select few, others soon noticed her designs and asked to buy the items she was wearing. Johanna's business grew rapidly by word of mouth and now she finds herself, much to her delight, a full time artist.

Robin Waynee

Internationally recognized award-winning jeweler Robin Waynee learned at an early age how creativity and hard work can lead to fulfillment. A member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Robin was born and raised in Mio, Michigan along with six siblings, and worked with her family in a variety of creative fields including jewelry, photography, custom furniture, and painting. Her first exposure to jewelry-making was presented by her father, sculptor/jeweler Robert Lone Eagle Waynee, from whom she picked up some essential skills. Always eager to learn and to lend a hand, Robin would take on any project, from sweeping out a garage to sanding furniture.

Robin entered and won her first design competition in 2007 at the Southwest Indian Market (SWAIA) in Santa Fe, NM. She has since won numerous awards not only at SWAIA and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ, but also internationally. In 2010 Robin entered her first large-scale award competition, the Saul Bell Design Awards, which is recognized by top designers around the world as the most prestigious international jewelry competition. She was awarded First Place in the silver category. Inspired, she entered Saul Bell again in 2011 and achieved First Place in the gold category. Entering once again 2012, Robin achieved an unprecedented third win in a row (the only jeweler to ever achieve this), with the Grand Prize for her stunning bracelet, “Corona and Halo.”

In 2014 she won the Niche Award, which celebrates excellence in North American fine craft. She also received two separate MJSA Vision Awards. She was once again a Niche Awards finalist in 2015.

Robin currently works in her studio in Santa Fe and is married to her former mentor, Ryan Roberts. They have two boys, Aidan and Logan, who are already becoming jewelers themselves.

Molly Burger

Mountain Rain Goldworks

Molly Burger is a jewelry wunderkind. Her parents, Falk Burger and the late Kim Bass, are considered to be “jeweler’s jewelers” due to their innovative styles and techniques. Those indelible influences, along with The Golden Eye’s founder Norah Pierson, propelled her into jewelry making at age 9, followed by her first gallery and first art show at age 12. During that time, she began her initial employment as a jeweler with local luminaries such as Denise Betesh, Valerie Fairchild, Luna Felix, and The Golden Eye. She also graduated from UNM where she flourished under the tutelage of professors Kris Mills and Constance de Jong.

Molly is fascinated by South American metallurgical techniques, some of which are evident in her work. She considers herself to be a lifelong student of metals, meeting every work day as “a new challenge, a maddeningly exciting puzzle I get to assemble.” Having been a fixture at the Tucson Gem Show as a child (subsequently employed there for 12 years as an adult), she has no patience for unspectacular stones.

Her artistic process is enriched by nature, community, and music. Molly balances her alone-time at the bench with performing as a professional singer in Sevda Choir, a Balkan musical ensemble.

“I’m from Santa Fe. The mountains are my home. Turns out I couldn’t hack it in the big city. I need to watch the stars fade into view. One by one. Building a picture that changes with the seasons. I need to feel my fingernails so packed with dirt, they feel like they’re gonna pop off every time I garden, or collect mushrooms in the mountains, or decide to just get naked and jump in the river before clawing my way back up the bank. I love digging for fossils and using them in my work. The desert, this lusciously harsh place, desiccating and nourishing, feeds my understanding of beauty, and by extension, my work.”

Molly’s wish is for her creations to confer, “Power. A physical catalyst for internal strength and confidence to flow uninhibited and unencumbered.”

Morenci Turquoise Link Bracelet

Rare Morenci turquoise from Arizona is fashioned into pleasing ovals and bezeled in 18kt gold, joined by double links...a simple lobster claw provides the catch for this graceful adornment.

Approximate length: 7.5"

Earrings

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We offer everything from studs to chandeliers, all designed to frame your face in the most flattering way. We also excel at using your stones or ours for custom earrings.

Gold Hoops and Gold Beaded Hoops

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Our 18kt gold hoops can be worn alone or as a foundation for drops. We also offer hanger studs that are fitted with gold wires that accommodate a variety of drops.

Turquoise Spice Drops

Our classic Golden Eye Spice setting offers a perfect frame for vibrant turquoise...to wear alone or layer with other drops.

Approximate length: .5"

Splash Hanger Studs

Our 18kt gold Splash Hanger Studs are fitted with hooks that accommodate most of our drops.

Approximate diameter: .5"

Shown with our Green Tourmaline Starbright Drops (sold separately).

Approximate length: 1"

Diamond Triad Hanger Studs

Our 18kt gold and Diamond .10 ctw. Triad Hanger Studs are fitted with hooks that accommodate most of our drops.

Approximate length: .5"

Shown with our White Diamond Ojo Drops (sold separately).

Approximate length: .75"

Spiny Nautilus Hanger Studs

Our 18kt gold Spiny Nautilus Hanger Studs are fitted with hooks that accommodate most of our drops.

Approximate length: 1"

Shown with our Aquamarine Gondola Drops (sold separately).

Approximate length: .625"

Mozambique Ruby Studs

Powerful, luxurious 18kt gold Mozambique Ruby 6.72 ctw. Studs are the perfect shape for your lobes...gold beads add a Byzantine touch.

Approximate length: .75"

Brushed Gold Button Studs

Zaftig 24kt gold button studs with a brushed finish take you from understated to well stated.

Approximate diameter: .375"

Gold Framed Talentum Spessartite Studs

Citrusy spessartite garnets 1.56 ctw. are bezel set in 22kt gold and displayed on distressed sterling silver, framed in 22kt gold...by Michael Jensen Designs.

Approximate length: .75"

Teeny Conch Shell Studs

Our store has a reputation for being mermaid-friendly. Here's a charming tribute to the water nymphs...lustrous 18kt gold is shaped into tiny conch shells for beguiling style.

Approximate diameter: .25"

Titanium Framed Sapphire Talentum Studs

More spirited organica from Michael Jensen Designs...lavender blue sapphires 1.46 ctw. are bezel set in 22kt gold on assymetrical sterling silver mulch beds, framed in blue iridescent titanium studded with gold beads.

Approximate length: .75"

Golden Yellow Diamond Studs

Rose cut golden yellow diamonds .69 ctw. in rounded 22kt bezels look just the right kind of posh (18kt gold posts included).

Approximate diameter: .25"

Titanium Blue Druzy Studs

Natural surface blue druzy is coated with titanium for a fabulous retro-chic sparkle, bezeled in 18kt gold.

Approximate length: .5"

Citrine Arancia Studs

Tempting citrine cabochons 2 ctw. are garnished with 18kt gold bezels.

Approximate diameter: .375"

Hanger Studs

Do you have ears that are especially sensitive to weight? Are you concerned that your ear holes appear too large? You can still enjoy Ear-rangements by utilizing our Hanger Studs (look under Hoops); they work with most of our drops (not suggested for layering drops).

Each pair is fitted with hooks or labyrinths so that drops can be hung from them for a comfortable and chic look. The fittings are low maintenance 18kt gold wire, adjusted to allow the bail of the drop to slip on and off with resistance. As with all of our Ear-rangements, it's best not to wear them while engaged in vigorous exercise or clothes-shopping (which can qualify as vigorous exercise!).
See our video tutorial

Turquoise

We sometimes hear someone remark that turquoise jewelry is a "fad", or that they don't wear "Indian jewelry."
Well, if turquoise is a fad, it's got to be the longest running trend ever, as history records its popularity over 7,000 years ago! Archaeologists have recorded that the oldest known piece of jewelry is a gold and turquoise bracelet found on the arm of a mummified Egyptian Queen, around 5000 B.C.

The area once known as Persia, today's Iran, has been producing gem quality turquoise for centuries, as has China.
Native Americans have worked the stone since before the time of Christ. When the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo people learned silversmithing from the Spaniards in the 1800's, the stone was incorporated into their pieces. This jewelry was the precursor to the work we identify today as Indian jewelry.

Cerrillos, New Mexico is thought to be the location of the oldest turquoise mines in the country. Prior to the 1920's, the state was the country's largest producer; it is more or less exhausted today.

Arizona currently produces the most turquoise of value domestically. There are many other mines throughout the Southwest, many of which have been exhausted.

Turquoise is made up of phosphorus, copper, and aluminum. The copper is the mineral responsible for the identifying robin's egg blue color that is so valued in the stone.
The mother rock, or matrix, can often be seen running throughout the stone in a network pattern, adding interest and enhancing the beauty of the turquoise.

Most turquoise on the market today has had some kind of treatment to enhance or stabilize the stone. These procedures reduce the value of the stone in varying degrees.
Only about six percent of stones today are what we call "natural turquoise". These have not been altered in any way from their natural state. Stabilizing the turquoise is accomplished by impregnating the stone with an epoxy-type substance to make it more durable.

It is important when purchasing turquoise jewelry that the salesperson is able to indicate if the piece has been treated, or is natural.

Being a phosphate mineral, turquoise is inherently fragile and sensitive to solvents; perfume and other cosmetics will attack the finish and may alter the color of turquoise gems, as will skin oils and most commercial jewelry cleaning fluids. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may discolor or dehydrate turquoise. Care should be taken when wearing such jewels. Cosmetics, sunscreen, and hair spray should be applied before putting on turquoise jewelry.

After use, turquoise should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid a build up of residue, and should be stored in its own container to avoid being scratched by harder gems. Turquoise can also be adversely affected if stored in an airtight container-it likes to breathe.

Sonoran Turquoise Strand

Colorful nuggets of Sonoran turquoise with copper matrix are interspersed with 20kt gold saucers...a stippled 20kt gold clasp is a natural fit.

Approximate length: 17"

Blue Gem Turquoise Cloud Ring

The vitality of a Blue Gem turquoise oval 4.4 cts. radiates inside a frame of 18kt gold beads and glistening diamonds .04 ctw.

Small Golden Turquoise Acorns

Smooth Kingman turquoise acorns 5.13 ctw. are capped in satiny 18kt gold and finished with shapely bails by Harmony Spark.

Approximate length: .5"

Turquoise Turtle Shell Pendant

The turtle shell, so exquisitely formed, is emblematic of Mother Earth. Many Native Americans revere turtles and some refer to North America as Turtle Island. This version of our Turtle Shell Pendant is made from vibrant 18kt gold and sterling silver; the underside of the shell is a reflector bowl, magnifying the beauty of a prong set natural domestic turquoise 7 cts.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Sonoran Turquoise Pendant

Striking topography distinguishes a blue-green Sonoran turquoise 13 cts. oval with copper matrix, accentuated with a simple beaded 18kt gold frame.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Kingman Turquoise Andromeda Pendant

Pale green demantoid garnets .06 ctw. and color-saturated Kingman turquoise 7.25 cts. offer a refreshing color combination amplified by crisp white diamond melee .15 ctw. in 18kt gold.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Rainbow Quartz Bauble Pendant

A spectacular piece of rainbow quartz 97 cts. appears to contain a diorama of a frozen mountain range under chevron-patterned rainbows...fascinating from every angle, the stone is bezeled in a combination of 18kt and 22kt gold.

Approximate length: 1.75"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Lone Mountain Oval Turquoise Bracelet

A fine collection of fourteen shades of turquoise from the same mine make our Lone Mountain Oval Turquoise Bracelet extra special, all in 18kt gold.

Approximate length: 7.75"

Lone Mountain Turquoise Bracelet

Ten pieces of softly rounded turquoise 27 ctw. squares and rectangles do justice to their Nevada pedigree, sourced from the Lone Mountain Mine. Each piece is fitted with an 18kt gold bezel with handmade links, and finished with a handsome lobster claw clasp.

Approximate length: 7"

Lone Mountain Beaded Turquoise Ring

Beauteous gold beads and bright white diamonds .03 ctw. frame a celestial piece of Lone Mountain turquoise 5.3 cts. in 18kt gold.

Dyer Blue Turquoise Necklace

Exquisite domed ovals of bezel set Dyer Blue turquoise 13.36 ctw. lay between glistening diamonds .36 ctw...a voluptuous center stone is decked out with gold beads and additional diamonds...a significant 18kt gold chain weaves the whole look together...stunning!!

Approximate length: 17"

Turquoise Table Ring

Stand back, friends, because this is over-the-top fabulous! A stately piece of Chinese turquoise with dramatic black matrix is set in satiny 18kt gold with a cleverly distressed faux finish...the grace note is a tiny crevice of white diamonds .03 ctw.

Diamond Turquoise Drops

Transcendent blue Persian turquoise is bezel set with white diamonds in 18kt gold.

Approximate length: 1.25"

Turquoise Obelisk Pendant

A lofty piece of Kingman turquoise is bezel set in 18kt gold and accented with white diamonds .06 ctw... a faceted moonstone glows below a majestic hinged bail.

Approximate length: 2.25"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Turquoise and Diamond Sophia's Cross

Sophia looks irresistible in lively domestic turquoise 1.95 cts. and clean white diamonds .16 ctw. framed in 18kt gold.

Approximate length: 1.25"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Diamond Snow Pea Hanger Studs

Our 18kt gold Diamond .36 ctw. Snow Pea Hanger Studs are fitted with hooks that accommodate most of our drops.

Approximate length: 1.25"

Shown with our Mauve Pearl Anjou Drops (sold separately).

Triple Turquoise Pendant

Three sky blue stones of natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise are stacked with white diamonds and set in 18k gold to make a beautiful tiered necklace. An exotic and sophisticated look!

Approximate length: 1.75"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Kingman Turquoise Crown Ring

Get out the robe and scepter....a stunning Kingman turquoise 11.29 cts. lozenge lies enthroned within 18kt gold tines studded with diamonds .24 ctw. on a carved shank.

Blue Ridge Turquoise Ring

Frankly, it doesn't get much better than this: A pristine slice of Blue Ridge turquoise 11.19 cts. sits in a generous 18kt gold bezel astride a contoured shank decorated with diamonds .08 ctw. and gold beads.

Turquoise Drama Drops

East meets West in our 18kt gold Blue Gem and Persian Turquoise Drama Drops.

Approximate length: 1.75"

Show on our Small Ribbon Hoops (sold separately).
see hoop options

Blue Gem and Carico Lake Turquoise Bracelet

The life-affirming splendor of gem-quality turquoise is undeniable...eight curved pieces of heaven are joined with lustrous 18kt gold links and beads and finished with a lobster claw clasp.

Approximate length: 7.5"

Blue Diamond Turquoise Pendant

A rare piece of natural Blue Diamond turquoise from Nevada, with exceptional depth of color and matrix dispersion, is set in regal 22kt gold and embellished with gold beads and white diamonds .28 ctw.

Approximate length: 2"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Natural Turquoise Necklace

This stunning necklace is created with all natural domestic turquoise, including Blue Diamond from Nevada, Morenci and Sleeping Beauty from Arizona. The lustrous stones are set in 18kt gold.

Approximate length : 16-18" adjustable

Damali Turquoise Pendant

Watercolor splashes of deep sage green and soft ivory make this 18kt gold Damali Turquoise Pendant a timeless treasure.

Approximate length: 1.25"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Water Maiden Earrings

Evans turquoise in soft blue with a sepia matrix is paired with faceted moonstones and Australian gaspeite, and bezeled in 18kt gold.

Approximate length: 2.25"

Turquoise and Diamond Stack

What's better than turquoise and diamonds...more turquoise and diamonds!

From top:

R1024 Pie Crust Variety Band
R1231 Artemis Band
RC682 Sleeping Beauty Cushion Cut Be Mine Ring
R1052 Diamond Vesta Band
RC652 Sleeping Beauty Oval Be Mine Ring
RC681 Sleeping Beauty Petite Be Mine Ring
R1231 Artemis Band
R1024 Pie Crust Variety Band

Persepolis Stack

The finest elements of ancient culture converge in our Persepolis Stack.

From top:

ION014 Paraiba Tourmaline and Platinum Eternity Band
RR1217 Diamond 22kt Gold Angelica Band
RC475 Persian Turquoise 18kt Gold Be Mine Ring
RR0102 Diamond 18kt Gold Eternity Band
ION017 Emerald Platinum Eternity Band
R1053 Diamond 18kt Gold Venus Band

Candelario Turquoise Signet Ring

The irrepressible glow of Candelario turquoise 7.5 cts. finds a perfect vessel in a handsome notched 18kt gold setting.

Round Blue Gem Turquoise Ring

A precious round of Blue Gem turquoise 4.2 cts. rests on a stippled 18kt gold Be Mine band...flank it or let it stand alone.

Sonoran Turquoise Scroll Ring

Rich Sonoran turquoise 10.9 cts. is set in a polished 18kt gold bezel atop a generous tapered shank enhanced with stippling and scroll work.