Jennifer Sihvonen is a nationally-known jeweler with a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and uniqueness in design. Her jewelry is in museums and private collections, including a showcase piece purchased for the permanent collection of the Albuquerque Museum. She received the honor of being the first jeweler awarded "Best of Jewelry" and "Best of Show" at the prestigious Taos Fall Arts Festival's "Taos Invites Taos" 2001 show. In 2003 she was again awarded "Best of Jewelry" and in 2008 was included in the "Living Masters" category of the show.
Working primarily in Sterling Silver with inlaid or set stones, Jennifer Sihvonen uses chasing techniques and often floral motifs. Mastering stone cutting and lapidary work has allowed her more complete freedom of design. Her jewelry designs evolve naturally with a new idea or possibility revealing itself along the way.
Born in New York City, Jennifer has lived in Taos, New Mexico, since she was nine months old. She is a second generation Taos artist. Oli Sihvonen, her father and a painter, was one of the original Taos Moderns. Primarily self-taught, she began making jewelry at eighteen. In the mid-70's she lived and made jewelry with the Sterling Smiths, a group of jewelers at the Mable Dodge Lujan House in Taos.
