Fine detailing work and superb quality are marks of the Clarks. They are experts at creating stunning micro fine intarsia inlay jewelry, the style of which is celebrated for its stunning detailing. Born to well respected Navajo clans, both Carl and Irene strongly respect Navajo traditions, as reflected in their work. In fact, the couple uses the water symbol as a trademark, owing to their water clan roots. Carl hails from the Manygoat-Redhouse Clan. He is also closely related to the Bitterwater People. Irene, on the other hand, comes from the Edgewater Clan and has close relations with the Towering People. Clans are especially important to the Navajos because they tell of the people’s ancient history.
Carl and Irene both came from rug weaving families, but this never stopped them from pursuing jewelry making. The Clarks started making jewelry in 1974 and have since been among the most well-known Navajo designers, especially for their unique micro fine inlaying technique. A self-taught jewelry maker, Carl started his jewelry-smithing journey in 1974, later on teaching his wife, Irene. No teaching was passed down to the couple except for basic silversmithing, which was handed down to Carl by his great-uncle Peshlakai Atsitty, who was known to be one of the very first silversmiths in history. The couple has, all their life, been surrounded by cousins and nephews who are very inclined to silversmithing and painting, but Carl ultimately learned his craft through trial and error. It took him 2 years to perfect his micro fine inlaying technique, which he classified as micro-fine intarsia since there weren’t any precedents to the inlay style.
The Clarks work together to create their 100% handcrafted jewelry designs. Irene fabricates the silver and gold, and both of them would cut and assemble, and then inlay the stones to create beautiful masterpieces. Most of the design work is done by Irene, while Carl is the in-house expert in tufa stone casting. The Clarks are true innovators who constantly show great expertise, passion, and pride in the creations they produce. Unbothered by other artists who constantly duplicate their techniques, the couple continues to innovate and develop even more interesting styles and designs, such as the microfine rug design and the color blend inlay technique, which set them apart from the copycats. The couple uses good feelings in making their jewelry, combined with great precision and care, never rushing through any piece, which makes their work a class apart from other common pieces of jewelry.
About the Company:
Turquoise Direct is one of the most prominent sellers of authentic handmade turquoise jewelry, designed by award winning Native American artists, including Julian Lovato, Harry H. Begay, Arland Ben, Aaron Anderson, Al Joe, Thomas Jim, Tommy Jackson, Calvin Martinez and many others who place only the finest natural American turquoise in beautiful contemporary and traditional silver and gold jewelry. With an amazing selection of collectible Native American jewelry from bracelets to earrings, necklaces, and rings to buckles and bolos by some of the most collectible and highly esteemed Native American artists in the Southwest, Turquoise Direct is the place to go for the finest online experience on the web.
