14K yellow gold mill-rolled sheet and drawn wire were used to fabricate the butterfly and create the simple wire collar from which it is suspended. The butterfly body is a raised inlay of orange-red natural coral, cut to a slender, streamlined taper.
Resting in a three-pronged setting to form the creature's head is a triangular "window pane" diamond. The antenna are formed by a split, tapered bail, combining artistic grace with function. A delicate, shimmering network of lines and scrolls, represent the nourishing and supportive veins. This stylized hand engraving over the spread wings subtly catches the light as the butterfly, from its collar hovers beneath the throat of its wearer !
The butterfly is a symbol of resurrection and new beginnings, as each year's seasons play out the cycle of life, death and renewal. It is an especially powerful reminder of the fragile, yet durable nature of body and soul combined.
Description | 14K yellow gold mill-rolled sheet and drawn wire were used to fabricate the butterfly and create the simple wire collar from which it is suspended. The butterfly body is a raised inlay of orange-red natural coral, cut to a slender, streamlined taper. Resting in a three-pronged setting to form the creature's head is a triangular "window pane" diamond. The antenna are formed by a split, tapered bail, combining artistic grace with function. A delicate, shimmering network of lines and scrolls, represent the nourishing and supportive veins. This stylized hand engraving over the spread wings subtly catches the light as the butterfly, from its collar hovers beneath the throat of its wearer ! The butterfly is a symbol of resurrection and new beginnings, as each year's seasons play out the cycle of life, death and renewal. It is an especially powerful reminder of the fragile, yet durable nature of body and soul combined. |
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About the Artist | (Born 1965 Hopi/ French) Mr. Supplee has been actively making contemporary jewelry since 1989. Influences include Roy Talahaftewa as well as Charles Supplee, his brother. Most publications addressing contemporary American Indian jewelry address/ illustrate this artist's work. Major exhibitions of contemporary American Indian jewelry include his work, as early as 2002. |
Culture | American Indian, Hopi |
Medium | 14K yellow gold, window pane diamond, orange red natural coral |
Size | Butterfly is 2" ht X 1 13/16" width. Collar is 15 1/4" length, fitting at the base of neck. |
Signed | "D" Kokopelli sitting on Supplee name mark on verso |
Date of creation | 1990's |
Condition | Excellent |
Provenance | JMB |