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My Signature Piece

 "Desert Transition" Necklace
1st Prize Winner in Category Accessories
@ Ventana Gallery til mid-Jan. 2026

Southwestern Desert Necklace

Tina's Sedona's embellished creations begin with my desire to build beaded structures around ancient rocks my husband harvested during his hikes in Southern Utah where we lived for several years. Their colors always captivate me and push me to find ways to enhance the display of their natural beauty..

My Story Necklace - Desert Transition

My husband and I relocated from the Southeast to the Southwest in early 2019. Within eight months we were sheltering in place in Utah. When we relocated in 2021 from the Mojave Desert of Southern Utah into the Sonoran Desert of Tucson I experienced a huge shift from darkness to light.

This necklace reflects a journey towards healing. The design process for this 7.5 ounce necklace did not begin until I was about 70% done with a bead embroidered piece featuring a large raw jasper stone, a piece for which I had no clue as to its function. As I worked, other raw jasper stones started distracting me and I began to imagine my piece in progress becoming part of a "statement" necklace. Focal points - the stones - are permanently glued to the beading foundation and then beads embroidered around them. I mapped out my focals but did not attach them until the beadwork reached those planned locations and the flow of colors and textures proved to be working.

The rest of the design really never ended as I affixed the stones and focused on color combinations of glass beads to enhance the jasper and the whole impact of the piece. I braided several Kumihimo braids into roses with perle cotton to add a softness to a "heavy" emotional piece. That is when I began to call it a "story" necklace that took seven months to complete.

I felt led to incorporate an unusual blend of materials - wood & sponge coral - for the strands that would suspend the piece. I had to invent a way to attach those strands and a hand crafted closure to the body. It is common for me to not know how a piece will be completed. The challenge to invent is something I welcome as it keeps me interested in knowing how it will all turn out!

​​​Contact Artist for pricing

Features

  • Original design by Tina Levy, Tucson, AZ

  • Triangular Body: 8" wide x 9" x 9"

  • Length: all measurements approx.

  • Outer Length: 38" plus 4 inch extender chain

  • Inner Length : 29" plus 4 inch extender chain

  • Weighs 7.5 oz 

  • Velvet lined gift box included

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