Don Mattingly
With a lifelong passion for rocks and minerals, Don has spent over 50 years perfecting the craft of jewelry making. Starting in Arizona, he learned silversmithing and lapidary, focusing on turquoise. He then apprenticed as a bench jeweler in Prescott.
Inspired by Native American artists like Charles Loloma and Preston Monongye, he embraced organic-style jewelry design. A key moment in his career was learning to cut fire agate from Mike Galesi. His journey reflects a deep love for natural materials and continuous learning.
Mike Galesi
Mike Galesi has been a dedicated Fire Agate enthusiast and carver for many years. His passion for Fire Agate began the moment he first encountered its captivating beauty, and it quickly became his obsession. Mike was introduced to cutting Fire Agate by his long-time best friend, Jimmy Watson, with whom he still collaborates today.
As Mike embarked on his quest to find the best rough and finished Fire Agate material, he made it his mission to connect with the top carvers who produced the most exquisite gem-grade Fire Agate. Through persistence and extensive effort, he befriended these masters, who generously shared their techniques and expertise with him.
In the lapidary world, the key to creating the finest gem-grade Fire Agate starts with the earth itself. Most rough material found is of low or average quality. The challenge lies in discovering those rare "killer" pieces of rough and skillfully exposing their highest brilliance and color play in the finished product. Mike's dedication and meticulous approach have made him a respected figure in the Fire Agate community.
Joe Lange
Joe Lange is an emerging talent in the world of jewelry, whose journey into lapidary and metalsmithing began under extraordinary circumstances. Shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), facing the daunting possibility of never walking again. Seeking an escape and a sense of purpose, he discovered a passion for crafting jewelry.
Over time, as the symptoms of CRPS subsided, Joe's dedication to lapidary and metalsmithing only grew stronger. His intricate and heartfelt designs reflect his resilience and creativity. Joe is also a singer-songwriter, bringing a unique artistic depth to his jewelry work.
Long-time friends with renowned lapidarist Mike Galesi, Joe has always admired Mike's beautiful work with fire agate. Inspired by this admiration, Joe continues to develop his skills, creating pieces that resonate with both his personal journey and artistic vision.