{"title":"Melanie and Michael Lente","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eStanding among today’s artistic innovators is jewelry designer, silversmith and goldsmith Melanie Kirk-Lente.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eWorking with her husband, Michael Lente (also Isleta), Kirk-Lente creates exquisite pendants, earrings, and rings in precious metals, inlaid with colorful stones.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eThe pieces incorporate Australian and Peruvian opal, sugilite, pink tourmaline, turquoise and coral, and most recently; emerald \u0026amp; sapphire.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eMulti-strand necklaces with hand-rolled opal and gold beads also are a new creation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eRecently introducing more abstract designs and various casting and finishing techniques, Kirk-Lente has taken traditional Native jewelry making into the realm of fine art.  “There has been such a big change in my work recently,” she explains.  “Moving into more contemporary and abstract designs, and using more nontraditional stones, has taken me in new directions, creatively.  Some see change as a bad thing, but I’m striving to remove the barriers between the two genres of traditional and contemporary art.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFusing traditional design elements and tribal motifs with modern, minimalist elegance, Kirk-Lente work reflects her cultural roots as well as contemporary sophistication.  In one work, the serpent, or Avanyu, a sacred pueblo spirit being, is presented in 14kt gold, executed in fine detail.  Father Sun, Grandmother Moon, and Kokopelli are also depicted, expressed through a unique and refined metalworking style accompanied by precisely cut and inlaid gems and stones.  Kachinas, bears, and nature symbols; water patterns, lightning and shooting stars, come to life through the artist’s mastery of lost-wax casting and fine-line etching techniques.  Other skills were fine-tuned during her formal academic pursuits; she earned her degree from the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, California.  In addition to her formal training, Kirk-Lente refined her art through the invaluable education she received from her late father, celebrated silversmith \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.garlandsjewelry.com\/collections\/andy-lee-kirk\"\u003eAndy Lee Kirk (Isleta)\u003c\/a\u003e.  “I learned so much from my father,” she says.  “He taught me about stones and different setting techniques, and how to be resourceful and efficient with my materials.  It was intimidating to see him create one great thing after another.  Trying to come up with new pieces was challenging, and there was pressure on me to stay within the defined style of traditional work.  It has only been recently that I have begun to go forward with new ideas.” \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eKirk-Lente has amassed quite an assortment of ribbons from the nation’s most prestigious art markets, including Indian Art Northwest, the Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eHer work has also been included in Blue Rain Gallery’s annual Show on the Road for several years, and many other shows as well.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eAlong with new jewelry collections in silver, gold, platinum, and inlay designs, Kirk-Lente has already begun work on her first cast-bronze sculptures.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"water-wave-ring-3","title":"Water Wave Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Ring with Overlaid Water Wave Design.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e.375” Band Width\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelect Your Preferred Size and Add to Cart\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"10","offer_id":42373357961299,"sku":"RG04346","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"11","offer_id":42203078590547,"sku":"RG04346","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"11.5","offer_id":42373357994067,"sku":"RG04346","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/water-wave-ring-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-47735.jpg?v=1747966221"},{"product_id":"gold-dancing-stick-pendant-1","title":"Gold Dancing Stick Pendant","description":"14k Gold Dancing Stick Pendant with Mosaic Inlaid Turquoise and Coral. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e.25” Width, 1.25” Height","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41578521165907,"sku":"PP04420","price":1695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/gold-dancing-stick-pendant-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-28028.jpg?v=1747971472"},{"product_id":"onyx-flat-top-ring","title":"Onyx Flat Top Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eCast Sterling Silver Flat Top Ring with Geometric Designs and set with Black Onyx.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRing Size: 10.75\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.25” Band Width\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41980980854867,"sku":"RG05092","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/onyx-flat-top-ring-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-71646.jpg?v=1747975299"},{"product_id":"turquoise-ring-421","title":"Turquoise Ring","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSterling Silver Ring with Inlaid Turquoise and Cast Design Elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRing Size: 6.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e.375” Setting Width, .375” Setting Height\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e.25” - .5” Band Width\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42198586425427,"sku":"RG05326","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/turquoise-ring-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-77035.jpg?v=1747977424"},{"product_id":"spiny-oyster-shell-bead-necklace-8","title":"Spiny Oyster Shell Bead Necklace","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSingle Strand Bead Necklace with Spiny Oyster Shell and Sterling Silver Beads. This necklace has a sterling silver adjustable clasp with a feather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNumber of Strands: 1\u003cbr\u003eNecklace Length: 21” - 24”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42198593437779,"sku":"NK04215","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/spiny-oyster-shell-bead-necklace-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-41978.jpg?v=1747977431"},{"product_id":"partner-ring-1","title":"Partner Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Ring with Overlaid Partner Designs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e.375” Band Width\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelect Your Preferred Size and Add to Cart\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"9.5","offer_id":42203087175763,"sku":"RG03959","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10","offer_id":42211285270611,"sku":"RG03959","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10.5","offer_id":42203087208531,"sku":"RG03959","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"10.75","offer_id":42203087241299,"sku":"RG03959","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12","offer_id":42203087274067,"sku":"RG03959","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/partner-ring-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-46835.jpg?v=1747977471"},{"product_id":"raindrop-pendant-5","title":"Raindrop Pendant","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSterling Silver Raindrop Pendant with Mosaic Inlaid Sugilite and Turquoise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e1.375” Width, 2.625” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42385644453971,"sku":"PP05030","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/raindrop-pendant-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-14401.jpg?v=1747979674"},{"product_id":"dancing-stick-earrings-484","title":"Dancing Stick Earrings","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver French Hook Dancing Stick Earrings with Inlaid Onyx and Mother of Pearl Shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.125” Width, 2.875” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42587345879123,"sku":"ER08946","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/dancing-stick-earrings-by-melanie-and-michael-lente-at-garland-s-89119.jpg?v=1760579000"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-pendant-47","title":"Spirit Medallion Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Spirit Medallion Pendant set with Spiny Oyster Shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The Spirit Medallion has meaning in the carvings on both sides of the pendant.  On the front, the carving around the stone represents the life force that surrounds us all, and the stone in the middle represents the person wearing the pendant, and understanding that we are all a part of this life force.  On the back, the 3 flowers blossoming represent the awakening of mind, body, and spirit.\" - Melanie Lente\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.625” Width, .875” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43352958795859,"sku":"PP06150","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06150-59.jpg?v=1765913231"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-pendant-49","title":"Spirit Medallion Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Spirit Medallion Pendant set with Turquoise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The Spirit Medallion has meaning in the carvings on both sides of the pendant.  On the front, the carving around the stone represents the life force that surrounds us all, and the stone in the middle represents the person wearing the pendant, and understanding that we are all a part of this life force.  On the back, the 3 flowers blossoming represent the awakening of mind, body, and spirit.\" - Melanie Lente\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.875” Width, 1.25” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43352960335955,"sku":"PP06146","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06146-47.jpg?v=1765913394"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-earrings-79","title":"Spirit Medallion Earrings","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver French Hook Spirit Medallion Earrings set with Spiny Oyster Shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"The Spirit Medallion has meaning in the carvings on both sides of the pendant.  On the front, the carving around the stone represents the life force that surrounds us all, and the stone in the middle represents the person wearing the pendant, and understanding that we are all a part of this life force.  On the back, the 3 flowers blossoming represent the awakening of mind, body, and spirit.\" - 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8.25” Bracelet Length\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43354558005331,"sku":"BR08670","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/BR08670-7.jpg?v=1766007804"},{"product_id":"gold-arrow-pendant-10","title":"Gold Arrowhead Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003e14k Gold Arrowhead Pendant with Cutout Designs. Photographed with matching \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/garlands.com\/collections\/all\/products\/lapis-and-gold-necklace-1\"\u003eLapis and Gold Necklace\u003c\/a\u003e (sold separately).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.75” Width, 1.5” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43354560626771,"sku":"C01738","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/C01738-20.jpg?v=1766007942"},{"product_id":"partner-ring-4","title":"Partner Ring","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver “Partner” Ring with Cast Designs of People Holding Hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRing Size: 6.25\u003cbr\u003e.25” Band Width\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598312697939,"sku":"RG07163","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/RG07163-73.jpg?v=1778542581"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-pendant-53","title":"Spirit Medallion Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Spirit Medallion Pendant set with Spiny Oyster Shell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.875” Width, 1.5” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598313812051,"sku":"PP06481","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06481-30.jpg?v=1778542779"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-pendant-54","title":"Spirit Medallion Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Spirit Medallion Pendant set with Lapis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.875” Width, 1.5” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598313910355,"sku":"PP06482","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06482-33.jpg?v=1778542843"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-pendant-55","title":"Spirit Medallion Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Spirit Medallion Pendant set with Onyx.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.875” Width, 1.5” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598313943123,"sku":"PP06483","price":375.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06483-36.jpg?v=1778542898"},{"product_id":"spirit-medallion-earrings-80","title":"Spirit Medallion Earrings","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver French Hook Spirit Medallion Earrings set with Turquoise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.625” Width, 1.125” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598316728403,"sku":"ER10993","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/ER10993-62.jpg?v=1778543490"},{"product_id":"infinity-pendant-29","title":"Infinity Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Infinity Pendant with Inlaid Spiny Oyster Shell, Coral, and Turquoise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.75” Width, 1.875” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598318202963,"sku":"PP06479","price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06479-24.jpg?v=1778543796"},{"product_id":"infinity-pendant-30","title":"Infinity Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver Rainbow Infinity Pendant with Inlaid Spiny Oyster Shell, Coral, Rhodochrosite, Lab Opal, Turquoise, Malachite, Lapis, and Sugilite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.75” Width, 1.875” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie and Michael Lente","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44598319251539,"sku":"PP06480","price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/PP06480-27.jpg?v=1778543866"},{"product_id":"stairway-to-the-stars-pendant-23","title":"Stairway to the Stars Pendant","description":"\u003cp\u003eSterling Silver “Stairway to the Stars” Pendant with Inlaid Coral and Turquoise. 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