Earrings, Chandelier, Onyx, Hallmark, Contemporary, 1402

Dramatic statement earrings remain a focus for jewelry and this season's favorite continues to dominate catwalks, street style, and the red carpet. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico artist, Oscar Betz, has been a favorite of collectors and celebrities since the 1970s.  

He is known for his original stone sets and one of a kind jewelry and is famous for perfecting the featherweight, Southwest Chandelier earring.   

These chandelier earrings are crafted in a mix of stones including turquoise and highlighted with orange spiny oyster and purple sugilite.

 Oscar Betz moved to  Jerome, Arizona sometime between 1967 and 1979.  He was among the hippies, renegades, freethinkers, and artists who relocated to Arizona’s richest copper mining city during those years.  Many of his later years were spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  He is now recognized as a renowned Navajo Silversmith.  His work has been featured in galleries and movies, and also worn by many celebrities.  His work is highly collectible.

Oscar Betz’s work was most prominent in the 1970s and 1980s.  His pieces were actively sought out and purchased by Hollywood celebrities as well as collectors of fine one-of-a-kind handmade Indian jewelry.  He was one of the first Southwest artists to use many different stones together in one piece of jewelry.  Oscar’s work remains in high demand today.  Sought after by the likes of Ralph Lauren in the early ’90s.  Oscar crossed over into the fashion world with is remarkable jewelry.  Part of the popularity of the Betz earrings was that for their size they are well balanced and easy to wear.  Designs are set on 2 part silver frames that are hinged.

Oscar Betz (1954-; Anglo), Stone sets; stamp work.

Mark: Oscar Betz (script)