Many of our designs are created using an art of cutting stones called Inlay. Inlay is a process where a stone is cut & shaped to fit perfectly within area called a channel. After the stone is carefully fit, an extremely powerful epoxy is applied to secure it. When the epoxy cures, the stone is sanded down to the desired height & polished. Different colors and shapes are possible. I'm proud to say I was one of the pioneers in this process dating back some 40 years ago. Other talented artists such as Jerry Spaulding, John Bagley, Raoul Sosa and others were also hard at work developing this technique. Inlay takes incredible patience. The work must be meticulous and the lines perfectly straight. My 25 year old son Isaiah is my apprentice and working diligently on learning this technique. I'm proud to say he has the gift. Since jewelry schools don't teach inlay, keeping the art alive is a bit of a challenge. As this website progresses it will include a brief video showing the process in motion. As you browse through our designs, please keep in mind that if you see a ring design you like but would prefer a different stone, that's not a problem. You can order any design in any stone or combination. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude, love and support to my dear friend Karina Cross. Her dedication and assitance in teaching my son Isaiah stone cutting was invaluable. She's the best.
European trained in the art of designing and creating jewelry, Michael recently celebrated his 40th year at his bench. An established guitarist and bassist, his first goal in life was to become a famous Rock Star. While he did come close on several occasions, he never quite made it to the level he dreamed about. While Michael was in High School, he dabbled in the art of making jewelry. Just some simple beaded necklaces to begin with. It was a simple hobby he sandwiched in-between his studies, music., chasing girls and experimenting with psychedelic drugs.
"I never gave a thought of actually making jewelry to sell. Just trinkets I gave away to family and friends. Fun, not profit"
After High School Michael moved to California to pursue what had become a full time career in Music. He spent 7 years on the road touring from Tahoe to Reno to Vegas to San Francisco and then back again. A professional circuit where he performed in Showroom Rock Acts as well as a back up guitarist for famous entertainers such as Eddie Money, Tom Jones and the Four Tops just to mention a few. " I was young and single and played my guitar full time while sowing my wild oats".
In my mid 20's I decided it was time to go back to school and save the world. Two years later I earned a degree as a Psychiatric Nurse. Why? I have no idea. It just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. After 6 months of working at a State Hospital I took a weekend off to try and sell some jewelry I'd been making. It was at a local craft fair. It was a 3 day show but I sold out on the first day. In fact I made more money in a few hours then I was making in a week nursing. That's when my nursing career came to an abrupt end and my full time jewelry career kicked in. Forty years, two kids and two marriages later I'm still doing the jewelry thing. I am highly honored to let you know that my son Isaiah is now working full time with me in the shop. He's becoming an excellent metal-smith and an awesome stone cutter. I am so incredibly proud of him. I also still play in pro working bands throughout Northern California. I currently own a successful jewelry store in Sonoma Ca and until recently was the leader of a top notch cover band (for 10 years) called Crossfire. Who knows whats next? As the saying goes.......... "One day at a time. It's certainly been an interesting journey thus far".
Artist ~ Goldsmith ~ Designer
Creating this site has be an interesting journey from my work bench to my computer. I would like to thank the following people for their love, support & patience along the way.
1) Allyson my wife and partner for dealing with my coming to bed at 3:00 in the morning, her hard work and dedication and the constant reminder that love really does conquer all.
2) My 25 year old son Isaiah for his enthusiasm to learn whatever I have to teach in the work shop. Also, the opportunity to pass on whatever skills I might have and being a great source of personal pride. Working with him is a sweet pleasure.
3) Alandra my beautiful daughter who's absence is a constant reminder that "absence really does make the heart grow fonder". She moved back east and there's not a day goes by I don't think about her. She is forever in my heart
4) Dan Trudeau my shop partner for his high level of creative excellence and a constant reminder you're never too old to learn and cutting corners is never an option.
5) My dog Buddy who lowers my blood pressure by making sure I throw his Frisbee a half hour a day.
LETS GO FOR A SPIN!
Halem & Co. de Sonoma
496 First St. East
Sonoma, Ca. 95476
707 935-8126
