Ray Van Cleve Jewelry and Decorative Arts

    Ray Van Cleve has been fabricating elegant, limited edition and one-of-a-kind silver and gold jewelry in historic Santa Fe, New Mexico for more than 30 years. He was initially recognized for making unusual silver beaded necklaces that use acorn, saucer, melon and round beads created with his custom-designed disc cutter. Intricate beads are frequently overlaid with silver or gold designs. His work has expanded to include distinctive and eye-catching belt buckles, pendants, bracelets, small boxes and freestanding metal sculptures that combine the timeless and magical aesthetics of the Southwest with elements of contemporary design.

    Ray's career began in 1970 when he learned stone-cutting and silver polishing from a Zuni Pueblo silversmith in Gallup, New Mexico. Later that year he moved to Santa Fe and made his first strand of silver beads out of a sheet of silver and a few simple tools of the trade. He continues to fabricate jewelry, rather than use the casting process, by himself in his home studio. The only commercially produced component is the sterling silver chain upon which necklaces are strung. Ray prefers to use semi-precious stones, such as turquoise, coral and lapis, because he feels they generate warmth and are closely connected to the energy of the earth.  His careful attention to detail ensures that each piece, from conception to completion, is a lovingly crafted work.

The act of making jewelry is a meditative process for Ray who takes great pleasure in knowing that the owner proudly wears his work. Please call Ray to talk about how he can create your own unique piece of wearable art!

Ray has attracted an international clientele and critical acclaim. His work has been featured in select galleries including Santa Fe East, Gallery 10 (New York), Elaine Horwitch Gallery (Palm Springs) and the American Craft Museum (New York).

View additional samples of Ray's jewelry.

View Ray's new line of sterling silver ornaments that will add sparkle to your Christmas holiday.

Please contact Ray about special studio prices and custom design work at:

 vancleve@nets.com or (505) 474-0385.