J1771 Albert Jake/Bruce Eckhardt
J1771 Albert Jake/Bruce Eckhardt
Sterling silver bolo by Albert Jake and lapidary work by Bruce Eckhardt. The 1 1/4” x 2” turquoise (about 150 carats) is from the Vista Grande Mine in Nevada. The 2” x 2 1/2” bolo is on 44” braided leather with sterling silver tips.
VISTA GRANDE is a 20-acre active mining claim in Esmeralda, Nevada owned by Rodney Frisby and Alan Chambers. The Vista Grande mine is next to Candeleria Hill which is famous for turquoise. It is a lode claim.. They did the proper bonding and started finding world class specimens as well as some of the finest spiderweb to come out of the Candelaria Hills ever. The rest is pretty much history and this story is only the last three years
With his love for the feel of stone and bright colors in his paintings, Bruce Eckhardt exhibits his unique lapidary skills. He chooses rare, high-grade stones to create his jewelry.
About the artist
Albert Jake
Albert Jake was born at home in 1959 in Ramah, New Mexico on the Zuni Pueblo. Albert attended school in Ramah until 6th grade, then moved to Springerville, Arizona, where he attended school until 8th grade. Albert moved to Pine Hills, New Mexico, where he completed high school in 1978. Albert grew up in a large family with one older brother, three older sisters, and three younger sisters. Leaving high school Albert learned to sandpaint and was blessed to be able to draw, which gave him income for the next few years.
A man with many talents - artist, sandpainter and potter - Albert Jake first began to learn the art of silver-smithing from his sister Louise, then worked with for another company for several years and began making jewelry in 1987. Albert is renowned for the precise detail and execution of his work and for the fine natural stones which he always employs in his pieces. The stamp work is deep and clean; perfect in its repetition.
