Sonoran Gold is thusly named because it’s from the Sonoran Desert region of Mexico, and it’s goldish color under it’s greens. This piece is by Navajo artist Tom Lewis. I have other Tom Lewis pieces, including the pieces with the galloping ponies. However, this is a masterpiece.

Why is it a masterpiece you ask? Well, first of all it’s made with really nice pieces of primarily green Sonoran Gold. Which means you get to see a lot more gold in the piece than normal. Also, and I can’t state this enough: Composition. The difference between two identical pieces of jewelry always comes down to composition. It’s never all about any one aspect of a piece, it’s always about the whole piece.

Composition wise, you have some gorgeous green stones that amount to about 7 large rings on your wrist. Each “corner” of 3 bezels in the front is studded with hogans. Then deeply stamped applique is added. All of this serves to focus the eye on each stone. It doesn’t end there, however. The piece is then supported by heavy gauge silver and 2 more pieces of sonoran gold turquoise.

All of this comes in at a hefty 94 grams. This isn’t a light piece by any stretch of the imagination. I love heavy pieces and light pieces, but to be sure: you’ll absolutely know you’re wearing this while wearing it. The key thing here though is: so will everyone else. That’s what this piece is about. Tom pulled it off. It’s a classic piece.