Each Rosa Kilgore jewelry piece is made by hand, just for you.
That means that each piece is hand cut, and hammered by me. I string every pearl, and every hammer blow is mine. With the exception of chains and findings, I make all of my own metal parts.
I adore texture, so each and every piece includes multiple hammer blows, filing, sanding, soldering to give it a little more interest. When it's ready to be completed, I stamp each piece with my maker's mark before it is hand cast and finished using the lost wax casting method. My stones and pearls are sourced from reputable dealers, many of whom I have been working with for years.
A little about my background...
I was born and raised by artists; notably my mother Linda, who continues to work as a gallerist, sculptor, and painter. She was raised by my grandmother, Margaret, who was a DYNAMO! A southwest art collector and trader, Margaret befriended and worked closely with Native American artisans like Charles Loloma; rubbed elbows with artists like Max Ernst and Dorothea Tanning; and eventually opened the Margaret Kilgore Gallery in Scottsdale. Linda and Margaret, along with many other amazing women, inspire me to this day and helped immerse me in fabulous southwest style.
I studied jewelry making all over: California, Arizona, Utah; but my most formative lessons came from Navajo jeweler and silversmith Dorothy Jeffrey on the reservation.
My jewelry perspective is shaped by my southwest roots, textured imperfections, and always choosing timeless STYLE over TREND. Rosa Kilgore Jewelry is designed and crafted to become part of your permanent collection.
