Michele Leichner: Jewelry Artist
Michele was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico but has lived on a global scale. Throughout her childhood she resided in New Mexico, Mexico, California, South Korea, Spain and Germany. Her bilingual skills have enabled her to make a living helping others. She perused an education and career in Psychology and Public Administration, receiving degrees from the University of Maryland, Boston University and Eastern Washington University. Michele always had a passion for jewelry and began beading her own creations in the 1990’s. In 2007 she made a decision to retire and focus on jewelry-making full time. Michele has since integrated the art of metalsmithing in her jewelry, a technique she discovered and studied in 2014. The unique semi-precious stones she acquires from various vendors near her home in Olympia Washington provide inspiration for each piece. Michele uses a variety of techniques to create the textural dimensions on these statement pieces and each one is the essence of her passion.
Each piece is designed and hand crafted by the artist.
Blue Kyanite
Blue kyanite is a mineral known for its intense shades of blue and indigo that can be found in localities within Switzerland, Brazil, Russia, Nepal, Africa, and the U.S. Most kyanite gemstones used in jewelry are blue in color, however, kyanite can be clear, green, teal, black, orange, and purple. It is a challenge to cut these gemstones due to its unusual hardness and requires a skilled cutter to work with these stones.
Metaphysical Properties: Blue kyanite is known to restore an individual's energy balance and align the Chakras. It is also believed to have a strong healing energy and the ability to protect the aura from negative energy.
Necklace (Right) is made with blue kyanite, faceted pyrite, and sterling silver.
Plume Agate
Agates are semi-precious gemstones from the Chalcedony family. They are formed by layers of depositing minerals into the cavities of rocks, most commonly volcanic rocks. This process of layering minerals creates a beautiful and unique pattern of banding in an array of amazing colors. The plume agate is a variation of agate with inclusions that create a gorgeous feather-like pattern.
Metaphysical Properties: It is said that agate provides balance within. The energy of agate will stabilize, calm, and alleviate hostility allowing positive energy to flow through you. It is said to remove distractions in daily living to allow better clarity on what you want.
Necklace (Right) is made with raw baltic amber, plume agate pendant, and sterling silver.
Morgan Hill Jasper
Jasper is an opaque stone from the Chalcedony/Quartz family. Its opaque color and unique color patterns distinguish this popular gemstone from all others. Morgan Hill Jasper, also called "Poppy Jasper", comes from Morgan Hill, California near the Santa Cruz Mountains. The cylindrical pattern is distinct and visually emphasized with the rich natural colors of red and yellow.
Metaphysical Properties: Jasper is considered an ancient stone that some say will bring awareness and a deeper connection to nature and the universe. It is also said that Jasper will provide the wearer with energy, strength, and positivity.
Necklace (Right) is made with Red Jasper, Yellow Cat's-Eye beads, Morgan Hill Jasper pendant, and sterling silver.
Hand Sculpted Sterling Silver Cuff
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