The Golden Eye

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.”

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.

Debra Colonna-Huser

Since early childhood, creating and designing has always brought me peace, inspiration, and an awareness of who I am. I feel safe in a creative environment and very much alive.

My pieces are all made by hand. Each new series reflects my interaction with the diverse textural patterns and designs nature has to offer. Jewelry-making allows me to explore new realms of metalsmithing through finish, color, and shape. Every collection has to teach me something new, otherwise the process can feel stifling. I find myself balancing on the edge of the safety of the techniques that I’ve mastered and the excitement and anticipation of what is yet to be discovered.

Making jewelry allows me to honor the celebrations of others. Creating pieces that represent my collectors’ milestones, be it an engagement, birthday, anniversary, graduation, heirloom or a congratulatory piece for just making it through a tough time, is one of the most endearing and satisfying incentives for being a jeweler.

~Debra Colonna-Huser

Ruby Sea Serpent Cuff

One of our most treasured designs is wrought in 18kt gold with ruby cabochon eyes...a portal to ancient times.

Cafe Pasqual's

Located right next door to The Golden Eye, Pasqual's is truly one of Santa Fe's most popular dining destinations.

Mixed Metal Honeybee Drops

Mixed metal charmers captivate in sterling silver with 22kt gold beads and bails.

Approximate length: .5"

Hungarian Coins

Authentic sterling silver Hungarian coins circa 1200 are bezeled in 18kt gold and embellished with gold beads; the coins bear the image of Madonna and Child on one side and the Hungarian crest on the other. Wear them as a perfect stand alone or layer them with our other drops, such as the Marquis Diamond Drops (pictured).

Approximate length: 1"

Small Blackened Steel Pear Drops

You asked and we heard you! One of our most flattering shapes is now available as a stand alone or a layering piece, ready to provide striking contrast for your 18kt gold hoops and drops (shown with our Diamond Horseshoe Drops, sold separately).

Approximate length: .75"

Talentum Diamond Earrings

Organic shapes in 22kt gold provide the striking backdrop for two crystal clear diamonds .50 ctw. from Michael Jensen Designs.

Approximate length: .75"

In Front of the Ear Latching Hoops

To be sure your hoops are on securely, the wire needs to snap firmly into the notch that sits in front of the ear. If it does not, hold the hinge between two fingers, and gently pull on the end of the wire until the wire snaps into the opening properly. If the wires become misshapen from undue force, we will be happy to adjust them for free in our store.

Adjusting"W" Clasps

The “W” clasp on your chain or necklace is a classic design, used for thousands of years as a functional and decorative element. It can also be used as a "hanger" for a pendant. The W is made of 24kt gold and is very flexible.

To open the clasp, push one “wing” of the W forward. Do not pull out laterally. To insure a secure closure, push the wing back to center, and align with the center loop.

After many uses you may find your clasp becoming stiff. This can easily be remedied by having it annealed, a process where the gold is heated and cooled to make the piece soft and flexible again. Any reputable jeweler can do this for you. If you would like us to do it, please allow 1-3 days for completion. See our video tutorial

Opal and Tourmaline

Water, sky, fire, and rainbows...all of these elements of nature seem to be embodied in the magnificent opal.

The opal is October's birthstone.

The Australian aborigines tell the story of the Creator coming down to earth from heaven on a rainbow to bring the message of peace to humans. Where his feet touched the ground, it became alive with opalescent color.

It is a fact that 95% of the world's opals are mined in the outback of Australia.

Opals are composed of a mineraloid gel, a mineral-like substance that does not demonstrate crystallinity as most gems do. Deposited in rock fissures, such as limonite, sandstone, or basalt, the small spheres of gel cause interference and refraction manifestations, resulting in the unique color play of the opal.

The opal is made up of at least 3% water, but can have a water content as high as 20%. It can become brittle when stored dry, and the color play may pale when exposed to heat for a long period. It is best to wear your opals regularly. They need to absorb the humidity from the air and the skin. They are rated a 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale, so caution is needed in order to avoid stress and abrasion to the stone.

Ethiopian Hydrophane opals have a different relationship with humidity and oils. They are happiest when they have less contact with skin oils and perspiration.

The tourmaline is also recognized as a birthstone for October. It may be a good alternative for the person who wants to wear their jewelry a little harder . The tourmaline is 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a very durable stone.

The word tourmaline means "stone with mixed color." They are found in nature in virtually every hue of the rainbow, often with multiple colors in the same stone. The watermelon tourmaline, with three distinct colors, is one of the most fascinating specimens.

Mined mainly in Brazil and Africa, tourmaline is one of the most utilized stones in jewelry today. Rubellite describes a deep red tourmaline, Paraiba, an intense blue green, and Canary, a golden yellow. No two tourmalines are exactly alike, making them a perfect choice for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Legend has classified the tourmaline as the stone of love and friendship, rendering them firm and lasting.

Peridot

This bright and vibrant stone has caught the attention of humans for centuries. Some historians believe that at least some of the "emeralds" that Cleopatra wore were actually peridots. Peridot is a relatively hard mineral, 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.

For many years the U.S. was the largest producer of peridot, which is mined in Arizona and New Mexico . China and Pakistan are now challenging the States for that title.

At one time large quantities of peridot know for their superb color and clarity were being imported from Myanmar, (formally Burma). Under the current government, peridot production has been curtailed to the point that it is no longer a factor in the industry.

Peridot is formed on Earth by volcanic activity. This stone is also found in meteors. According to folklore, wearing peridot brings luck and success.

Lapis and Gold Disc Necklace

Matte indigo lapis bugle beads are interspersed with 24kt gold bugle beads and discs...two tiny coral beads accent the 24kt gold end caps of a graceful shepherd's hook clasp...by ARA.

Approximate length: 17.75"

Indicolite Tourmaline Pendant

A deep forest-green seven carat indicolite tourmaline is cushion cut, bezeled in 18kt gold, and coiffed with a diaphanous blue-tinged moonstone .15 cts. and two twinkling diamonds .03 ctw.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Honey Bee Pendant

Our 18kt gold honey bee is sweet on its own, and wonderful when layered with other chains or pendants.

Approximate length: .625"


Chains sold separately.
See chains

Brown Diamond Bee Amulet

Our iconic Bee Amulet is ornamented with the soft sparkle of a honey-colored diamond and two gold beads.

Approximate length: 1"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Sterling Silver and 18kt Gold Bee Amulet

This is a lighter version of our Bee Amulet, made from sterling silver with an 18kt gold bezel topped with two gold beads.

Approximate length: 1"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Opal Andromeda Multiverse Pendant

This one puts the drama in Andromeda...coruscating guacamaya hues swirl inside an Australian opal 5.21 cts. in a 22kt gold bezel mounted on a blackened sterling silver shield...the shield is secured with a beaded 22kt gold frame punctuated with 22kt gold and diamond .26 ctw. stations...who needs force when you can have power?

Approximate length: 2"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Sunstone Dome Ring

Twinkling natural copper and hematite crystals provide the iridescence in this beautiful Oregon sunstone ring. The ten carat cabochon is set in 18kt gold and graced with additional sunstones and diamonds below the rim.

Rose Cut Moonstone Ring

A smoky grey rose cut moonstone illuminates the center of a sleek 18kt gold setting...rose cut white diamonds shine out from the shank.

Moonstone Waterfall Earrings

An absolutely stunning pair of 18kt gold earrings features translucent rainbow moonstones 18.9 ctw. in articulated bezel settings accented with diamonds .30 ctw.

Square Rosecut Diamond Petra Drops

Square rose cuts 2.25 ctw. set in 18kt gold with glistening cognac diamond centers and tails take it to the next level, Golden Eye style.

Approximate length: 1.5"

Square Rose Cut Damascus Cross

Square rose cut diamonds bezel set around a circular center stone 1.62 ctw., adorned with champagne diamonds in 18kt gold make this regal cross a true heirloom piece.

Approximate length: 1.25"

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Multi-Stone Bracelet

A rainbow of colored gemstones makes for a bright and beautiful bracelet. Tourmaline, peridot, amethyst, and moonstones are set in 18kt gold with a watermelon tourmaline clasp.

Approximate length: 7"

Elemental Swing Ring

Designed by the inimitable Norah Pierson, the 18kt gold Elemental Swing Ring boasts a 33.67 ct. rubellite tourmaline, two swinging tanzanite teardrops, artful pave diamond .26 ctw. inlays, and two palm-side rubies .36 ctw.

Tourmaline Queen of Spades Pendant

Are you ready to hold all the cards? A spectacular rubellite tourmaline cabochon topped with a round rubellite cab 15.29 ctw. is bedecked with a green tourmaline cabochon .12 cts., two tsavorite garnets .08 ctw., two orange sapphires 1.5 ctw., eight glittering white diamonds .13 ctw. and a pink sapphire .09 cts. This extravagant 18kt gold creation features a sun pattern on the back.

Chain sold separately.

Vintage Moonstone Pendant

A one-of-a-kind piece from the hands of Norah Pierson bestows iconic glamor...an effulgent rose cut moonstone from India is rimmed in sterling silver and set in gleaming 14kt gold...a frame of pave cognac diamonds attentively glistens...a generous gold bail on a sleek black chain harbors gold beads below and a silver-wrapped star sapphire above...the bottom of the piece is finished with a rose cut pear-shaped diamond and two round star sapphires, flanked by gold beads.

Approximate length: 1.25"

All proceeds will benefit The Wildlife Center, The Raptor Center, Heart & Soul Animal Sanctuary, Felines and Friends New Mexico, and Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary.

Moonstone Cascade Necklace

You'll be swooning with us once you lay eyes on the marvelous Moonstone Cascade Necklace, fashioned from 22kt and 18kt gold. An incandescent oval moonstone holds court amidst two round accent moonstones 5.35 ctw. Four bright diamonds are complemented by twelve gold beads for a luxuriant feel. A curvaceous faceted moonstone briolette takes it over the rainbow.

Approximate length: 16-18" adjustable

Twin Peaks Pearl Ring

Polychromatic Tahitian pearls sit side by side, the tallest one with a white diamond set into its enter...a scallop hugs the shorter peak...sparkly pave and bezel set diamonds embellish the contours of the 18kt gold shank.

Moonstone Hourglass Pendant

Two extraordinary blue moonstones 12.98 ctw. make a declaration of adularescence in gleaming 18kt gold with sumptuous diamond .34 ctw. accents.

Approximate length: 1.75

Chain sold separately.
See chains

Azalea Ring

One of the most exciting rings to ever grace our cases! Gorgeous multicolor tourmalines form the petals of the exquisite 18kt gold Azalea Ring.

Commissioned Diamond Ring

One of our favorite endeavors is to create commissioned pieces with clients' heirloom stones, in this case an important pear-shaped diamond...diamond scrolls and golden beads enrich a silken contoured shank.

Palladium Tire Bands

Specialty wedding bands were custom made for clients who already had a specific design in mind. Made from palladium, one band is set with a .71ct. diamond, the other with bright white and black diamonds.

Coral Sconce Pendant

An heirloom piece if we ever did see one...pure elegance resides in a lavish oval of Mediterranean coral 16 cts. dressed in a simple beaded frame...topped and tailed with brilliant white diamonds .30 ctw.

Approximate length:2"

Chain sold separately.

Abalone Reflecting Pool Ring

Keep Narcissus away from this one! Over the top pearlescence gives rise to an iridescent nacre that is irresistible. A rimmed 18kt gold bezel is punctuated with glistening diamonds .16 ctw.

Padparadscha and Diamond Ring

Here's a dream of a custom ring in 18kt gold....one of the rarest of sapphires gets the royal treatment with a fancy diamond halo and diamond buttresses. Padparadscha is the Sanskrit word used to represent the color of a tropical lotus flower.

Tourmaline and Garnet Ring

The sex appeal of a pinky-red rubellite tourmaline is catalyzed by two bright orange spessartite garnets...two white diamonds .06 ctw. are discreetly placed to show only when the hand is at certain angles.

Double Angelica Band

Two lush rows of beads and white diamonds .32 ctw. make a grand impression in our 22kt gold Double Angelica Band.

Size 8 and above, please call for pricing.

Cat's Eye Tourmaline Dome Ring

One bright line of light ripples through the amber layers of a remarkable Cat's Eye tourmaline 13.4 cts....its muted 22kt gold bezel rests upon a lightly peened shank.

Cognac and White Diamond Comet Band

A flashing rose cut cognac diamond .30 ctw. is complemented by two crisp white diamonds .08 ctw. on a stippled 18kt gold band.

Square Cut Cognac and White Diamond Comet Band

The sanguine glow of a square rose cut cognac diamond .36 cts. is intensified by two icy white diamonds .08 ctw. in stippled 18kt gold.

Diamond Beehive Ring

One of the prettiest cognac diamonds EVER .57 ctw. perches in the center of a sparkly diamond studded .07 ctw. hive on a satiny tapered 18kt gold shank...how could you resist? Why should you resist?

Ruby Vesta Band

The 18kt gold Vesta Band is one of our favorite stand-alone rings that also serves as a sumptuous stacker...this version is made with rubies 1.1 ctw.

Size 8 and above, please call for pricing.

Brown Diamond Chronus Band

A handsome hunk of ring if we ever did see one, the 18kt gold Chronus Band features a satin-finished, softly squared band and a flashing brown diamond .27 cts. nestled inside of a donut bezel.

Sapphire and Diamond Guinevere Band

One of our most romantic bands, this version features a regal combination of glittering blue sapphires .38 ctw. and white diamonds .12 ctw.

Queen Bee Rings

Claim your power with one of our splendid 18kt gold Queen Bee Rings...available with white diamond "pollen" .19 ctw.

Diamond Scroll Drops

One of our most classic designs, the 18kt gold Scroll Drops are elegant backdrops that can also stand-alone gracefully...twinkling little diamonds .07 ctw. add a lovely lilt. Feeling thrifty? Click on the thumbnails to see how we layered them to get eight looks (including just the hoops) from four pieces!

Approximate length: 1"