The Artist: Jay W. Simmons

What started as a fascination for lapidary and collecting turquoise in the mid 1970's evolved into a serious hobby after retirement from corporate life!

Raised in South America and the East Coast. Self taught in lapidary. Lapis, turquoise, sugalite, charoite, fossilized ivory and dinosaur bones are just a few of the many materials used in fabricating my pieces. As a silversmith, I had the opportunity to learn from several accomplished artists. Richard Tsosie, a Navajo specializing in inlay/overlay, is credited with being the first Native American jeweler to develop "Granulation" texturing to his fabricated pieces. Michael Kabotie (Lomawywesa) and Lawrence Saufkie, both Hopi Artist, have over 90 years experience between them in overlay fabrication! And Bounyou "Bon" Paphatsarang is a walking encyclopedia and master of so many techniques. I utilize many of their styles and techniques in creating designs that reflect influences from South America, the South, and Southwest.