Earrings, Oscar Betz, Drop, Mixed Stones, '80s, 692D

Despite their large scale, Betz’ earrings are easy to wear and perfectly balanced, and always set with a beautiful mix of stones. Prolific in the ’70s and ’80s, Oscar’s pieces are now actively sought out and purchased by Hollywood celebrities including Liz Taylor, 7th Ave. designers including Ralph Lauren, as well as collectors of fine Southwest jewelry.   His work remains in high demand today.  

These earrings are a replica of some of his earlier work, a long slender design. The dangles showcase his signature style of stonework, combining various shapes of small cabochons of turquoise, lapis lazuli, and purple spiny oyster set in simple sterling silver bezels for an eye-catching earring that’s easy to wear. Each stone is hand-cut and set by Betz.

 Oscar Betz moved to  Jerome, Arizona sometime between 1967 and 1979.  He was among the hippies, renegades, freethinkers, and artists who relocated to Arizona’s richest copper mining city during those years.  Many of his later years were spent in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  He is now recognized as a renowned Southwest Silversmith.  His work has been featured in galleries and movies, and also worn by many celebrities.  His work is highly collectible.

Oscar Betz’s work was most prominent in the 1970s and 1980s.  His pieces were actively sought out and purchased by Hollywood celebrities as well as collectors of fine one-of-a-kind handmade Indian jewelry.  He was one of the first Southwest artists to use many different stones together in one piece of jewelry.  Oscar’s work remains in high demand today.  Sought after by the likes of Ralph Lauren in the early ’90s.  Oscar crossed over into the fashion world with his remarkable jewelry.  Part of the popularity of the Betz earrings was that for their size they are well balanced and easy to wear.  Designs are set on 2 part silver frames that are hinged.