A MARTINEZ

A Martinez is very easy to distinguish amongst other fine jewelers. Big clues into what makes an A Martinez piece is its hefty size and weight, the use of Sterling Silver, peculiar abstract design work, and the large turquoise stones. The influence of A Martinez's designs comes from Native American Navajo style jewelry.

The work itself looks very man made, with uneven contours, textured metal, and a hammered style. The design work on the bracelets themselves can vary from something more symmetrical and methodical, to a collection of heavy cuff bracelets that have punched out metal scraps arranged cleverly on their surfaces.

From a scale of 1 to 10 in boldness, where Cathy Waterman is a 1, and David Webb is a 9 or a 10, A Martinez is probably a 13 or 14. Although slightly uncouth, these pieces pair stunningly with cowboy boots or the little black dress.