Local Jeweler's Work a Hidden Gem

One of the things I like most about the desert are all the wonderfully talented artisans amongst our midst. Walking into on El Paseo, one expects to find the rare Fukusa artworks, embroidered tapestries and Buddha heads from another time. But visitors are often surprised to find, that tucked in amongst all the antiquities, equally shining with prestige and high class, are the custom creations of master jeweler Michael Kneebone.

On a recent visit, I was presented with an amazing necklace of purple opalescent pearls, each formed and defined by their own sense of character surrounding a collar of real leaves that had been plated in pure gold. Although Kneebone does make more conservative and traditional pieces, it is the singular and unique pieces such as this necklace that keep him in high standing with the local ladies who attend luncheons for charity. His custom creations are seen on many necks of women at all of our city’s wonderful non-profit organization fundraisers and black ties events and he prides himself on the long relationships he has maintained with many of the valley’s top female leaders.

Michael’s interest in the craft started in 1970 with a jewelry class in Deerfield, Ill. He then fell into a privileged apprenticeship with renowned designer Harriet Dreisiger. After a career of selling his pieces successfully through Saks Fifth Avenue and many other small boutiques, he decided to start his own company Michael K. Jewels.

Michael’s studio is in his home where he works meticulously on new pieces for each season. Although he avoids trends, he tends to be on the cutting edge of new materials. Last year he debuted a line of sea urchin cuffs and now we are seeing this material on everything from belts to purses this season. He’s also known for his top-quality gold fixtures, backings and enclosures that lend an extra heft and sophistication to all of his pieces.

But, he says, “lifestyles have become much more casual so I try to create pieces that can be worn daytime to lunch or the office and then dressed up for dinner at the club,” as well.

Michael K. is sold exclusively at , 73080 El Paseo, suite 5, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 346-5665 or online.