About SAlly O’Neill
Sally O'Neill has always had a creative drive. Her father who was a Blacksmith, encouraged her interest in metal-work and set up her first real jewelry studio in their Santa Fe home. As a teenager, Sally designed, made and sold her work on famous Canyon Road.
She continued her passion and interest in working with metals throughout her college years at the University of Colorado, Universidad de Sevilla in Spain, and University of New Mexico where she earned her BAFA in Metals. She has had a working studio since the age of 15.
She has also been a collector of antique and vintage jewelry for over 40 years. She is most influenced by the Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Edwardian eras which manifests through her own designs.
Sally is a GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) and a Certified Master Appraiser (CMA) from the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA). She attends classes and workshops whenever possible to continue learning and improving her skills.
Sally currently lives in Bozeman, Montana. She plays fiddle, banjo and guitar in the Bebe LeBoeuf Cajun Band. She also enjoys singing in local Intermountain Opera productions.
Sally has shown and sold her work in galleries throughout the Mountain West including Old Main Gallery and A. Banks Gallery in Bozeman, Montana. Harmony Scott Gallery in Carbondale, Colorado and Jett Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
One of Sally’s interests and passions about making jewelry, is how it is worn—how comfortable it is for the wearer. For example, how earrings hang on the earlobe to best highlight the beauty of the jewelry while still being comfortable. And how safe and secure is the jewelry. Does it have the right hook for instance. As a woman who has worn and worked with jewelry for most of her life, she is an expert in this area.