Photograph by Bill and Michael Faust.

THE SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY (SOCGEMS) hosts Ornament Coeditor Patrick R. Benesh-Liu as he speaks about the masterful micromosaic jewelry of Carl and Irene Clark (Navajo). The talk is free and open to the public, located at the San Clemente Community Center.

Carl and Irene Clark have pioneered a level of intricacy in micromosaics that is not replicated in the greater Native American art community. Curious and innovative, the Clarks have studied jewelrymaking techniques from around the world and throughout history, integrating what they’ve learned into their spectacular jewelry.

This unique blend of traditional Native symbology and an ever-evolving style of their own is due to decades of hard work. Carl Clark taught himself how to make jewelry, creating his first piece while working as a shop manager for a local store. Their journey is inspiring, and is testament to the strength of the Native American spirit.

100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente, California 92672.