14k Gold and Kingman Turquoise Post Earrings by GL MILLER

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, GL resided in numerous areas throughout the United States before his family settled in Albuquerque in 1963. It was in growing up captivated by the various local cultures and art expressions that contributed to his early discovery and love of design. GL's imminent future was born in his youth as he experimented with various forms of creativity.

Fueled with natural talent and self-taught skill, GL refined his knowledge of design at the University of Albuquerque and the University of New Mexico, majoring in both commercial and fine arts. Following academic study, his creative integrity flourished as an art director for an advertising agency, a commercial photographer and creative director and design manufacturer of Surrisi Timepieces.

Studio GL, started 1997, is the sequel to GL's artistic background. The recipient of national and international design awards, GL's passion for the Southwest culture and history has fine-tuned his imaginative jewelry creations. His major interest lies in designing contemporary one-of-a-kind jewelry influenced by ethnic American Indian design and Western geometric patterns. His work is not for people who prefer the familiar or traditional, but rather for those who revel in surprise.

A person of curiosity and ingenuity, GL continually explores new avenues to apply his talents and original ideas in the celebrated union of fine gems and metals. Miller and his highly skilled staff sculpture unique jewelry for the trade as well as provide design consulting to the industry. In addition to stones inlaid in sterling silver, Studio GL's extensive selection includes karat gold and jewelry utilizing colorful inlay combinations and gemstones.

Gold

Gold has been used by Indigenous peoples of the Americas for centuries—most notably in Central and South America by cultures such as the Inca, Aztec, and Maya. In the American Southwest, traditional Native jewelry is more commonly associated with sterling silver, but in recent decades, gold has emerged as a striking and luxurious alternative, particularly among contemporary Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi artisans.

Used either alone or in combination with turquoise, coral, or opal, gold elevates the aesthetic and value of a piece. 14k and 18k yellow gold are the most common choices, appreciated for their warm tones and durability. Native artists often incorporate gold accents to highlight intricate stampwork or to frame rare stones, offering a modern interpretation of traditional craftsmanship.

Gold is not mined on Native lands in the Southwest, so its inclusion in jewelry represents a blend of cultural heritage and evolving artistic expression—connecting traditional design with elevated, high-end presentation.