MARIA SAMORA

I am a Native American Jeweler from the Taos Pueblo, New Mexico; designing and creating contemporary jewelry. Taos is a magical and spiritual place and I believe my designs are a personal reflection of the special world that surrounds me. My jewelry has its roots firmly planted in the rich soil of a unique cultural background, providing me with incredible creative richness. The main village of the Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the oldest continually inhabited buildings in the US. This environment set amongst close to 90,000 acres of pristine wilderness permeates my soul.


Life in Taos is simple and beautiful and I believe that my jewelry is personal expression of this simplicity. The purpose of my art is to accentuate the body and capture the movement of the human form, enhancing one's personal beauty and grace with sophistication and elegance. My designs appeal to the senses and come to life on the body.


My hopes and challenges as a designer are, not only to honor my spiritual heritage, but more importantly, to push beyond any boundaries and move forward in a contemporary way. My ideas and technique have evolved in a direction more reflective of the modern world and I see myself as an innovator not bound by any 'traditional' convention; rather letting my designs be fueled by my passion to learn and explore technical possibility and evolving technology in my jewelry craft.


Natural blossoming elements and interplaying geometric forms are transformed into contemporary designs. Subtle textures, various patinas and the tonal play of mixed metals blend richly and create contrast and dimension. Hand-selected stones including top white diamonds and natural turquoise are hammer-set into thick-gauge bezels. Each piece meticulously crafted to reflect the elegance and richness of our culture.

KEVIN REBHOLTZ

Kevin Rebholtz is a freelance photographer who was originally trained as a photo journalist while working at an adventure travel magazine in Hong Kong. His path has meandered from Asia through Northern California and ultimately to Taos via his work as a guide for an active travel company; for the past 19 years partnering with Maria and helping her achieve her creative dreams.

STUDIO TEAM

Joshlyn Marino

Joshlyn Marino's passion for beauty and a life full of learning led her down the road to pursue an apprenticeship to become a jeweler. She enjoys many other activities that inspire lifelong pursuit: studying Argentine tango, practices of yoga and Ayurveda, downhill and telemark skiing, mushroom and wild plant foraging, and gardening, to name a few. When not occupied with any of the above, she is found spending time in mountains, near water, or in big cities exploring the world, preferably with friends and dogs.