About
Jamie Halpern
Silversmith, lapidary artist, and jewelry instructor based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Work
I am a silversmith and lapidary artist and jewelry instructor. My work demonstrates a deep appreciation for Southwestern arts and jewelry-making styles and has been influenced by extensive travels throughout the United States.
I work with colorful semi-precious stones and silver through inlay and other stone-setting techniques. I make and sell my jewelry on commission in my Santa Fe, New Mexico studio and I lead the silversmithing program at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
Craftsmanship
How the Work Is Made
Every piece is made by hand at the bench, from raw stone to finished metal.
Stone-First Design
Each piece begins with the stone. Turquoise, lapis, agates, jaspers, and other materials are chosen for their color, pattern, and character before any metal is cut.
Inlay & Stone Setting
Channel inlay and traditional stone-setting techniques, worked in sterling silver — precise fitting, clean lines, and finishes that let the stone speak.
Made to Order
Jewelry is made to the specifications of the individual wearer or buyer, with each commission built around the stone, the design, and the person it is for.
Teaching
Passing the Craft On
Alongside my studio practice, I lead the silversmithing program at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, teaching silversmithing, lapidary, and jewelry-making to students at every level of experience.
Teaching keeps the craft alive. Students learn the same fundamentals his own work depends on — sawing, soldering, stone cutting, and setting — in a working studio, with the patience and personal attention the craft deserves.
Commissions
If interested in commissioning a piece of jewelry, please contact me.
Start a Conversation
Questions about a piece, a technique, or an upcoming workshop are always welcome.