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Asian Village in Edwards hosts local jewelry designer

Natural one-of-a-kind "Sonoran Desert Sunset" stone with matte black onyx and sterling silver.
Special to the Daily |

EDWARDS — This week, Tess Backhus, Vail’s own one-of-a-kind jewelry designer, will show her new collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings at Asian Village in The Riverwalk at Edwards.

Backhus recently returned from the spectacular Tucson Gem Show, where she was inspired by the new things she found there. With insights gleaned from the latest spring designer clothing collections, Backhus has fashioned a new “Glam with Denim” collection. Perfect for our relaxed Vail lifestyle, the pieces combine the colors of semi-precious stones such as hard-to-find “washed denim” Kyanite, deep blue Lapis Lazuli of many sizes and shapes, and naturally-glowing Labradorite — all perfect foils for a simple white shirt and iconic jeans.

Backhus also has new, versatile multi-length creations in soft shades of robins’ egg blue, teal, charcoal and taupe. She has discovered inspiring sources for unique cast metals in oxidized silver and 24-karat gold vermeil, which add a unique texture to the fine stones that she uses in her necklaces, bracelets and earrings.



Beyond the obvious beauty of each creation, Backhus imbues each with what she recognizes as the mystical force she finds in nature: polished abstract agate pebbles, rare woods and intriguing organic finds. Likewise, her unexpected and subtle references to ethnic cultures in many of her pieces also reveal her respect for the power inherent in them.

Asian Village is fortunate to have shown Backhus’ unique designs for nearly a decade. A friend to many Vail guests and locals, she is imaginative, prolific and always available to make a piece fit the wearer perfectly. It is always so much fun to touch her latest creations and sense the joy that she takes in seeing each special piece on the right person.

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Meet Backhus at Asian Village from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Feb. 25, through Friday, Feb. 27. Asian Village is at the east end of Main Street in The Riverwalk at Edwards, between Starbucks and The Bookworm. Call UnChu or Susan at 970-926-6188 for more information, or visit http://www.asianvillageantiques.com.


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