Jewelry Designer Follows Modernism's Pristine Lines

Luxury ring designer makes inaugural appearance at La Quinta Art Festival

Michelle Roe Arts & Entertainment, Attractions

Perhaps it’s fitting that Harry Roa describes his own jewelry as “modern building structures”.

The Sarasota, Fla., artist’s affinity for strong designs and clean lines has influenced where he will be staying for his first appearance at this weekend’s 31st annual La Quinta Arts Festival.

Roa has booked a week’s stay at one of Palm Springs’ legendary mid-century modern homes.

“Cultivating my desire to travel 2,500 miles across country is simple –  my love of architecture and art,” Roa said. “Palms Springs is known for its modern architectural innovations and new artistic venues.”

Roa was chosen from more than 1,000 artists to show his unique jewelry designs in La Quinta, the No. 1 ranked Fine Art Show in the nation by Art Fair SourceBook, considered the definitive guide to the best juried arts and crafts fairs in the U.S.

The show, featuring 230 artists from 29 states and Canada, runs March 7-10 at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78-495 Calle Tampico.

“I am truly excited to be able to participate,” Roa said. “To be able to share and be a part of such a talented group of artists is humbling, to say the least.”

Roa’s collection includes bold wearable pieces like bracelets, earrings, and pendants. However, in his studio he focuses on the creation of exquisite statement rings composed of precious stones set in platinum, 14- and 18-karat gold.

To create his stunning pieces, Roa’s uses what is termed as a “lost wax process and fabrication”. Trained as an artisan since his days in college, Roa fondly refers to each piece as a unique and personal “little sculpture”.

Throughout his career, Roa said he has taken inspiration from his surrounding environments. After a trip to New York City, for example, the mere sight of the Lincoln Center gates gave expression to a rich infusion of arches, curves and ovals to create an elegant bracelet.

Roa’s festival presentation will include the premier of his latest collectors treasure, the “Wish”. The centerpiece of his collection, “The Wish” is an ode to his Palm Springs trip and the fulfillment of a vision.

Moved by the grand scale of architect John Lautner’ s “Mushroom House” for comedian Bob Hope, Roa began carving an idea out of wax. The amazing result is a ring set in 18-karat gold featuring an 8.5 carat sea-foam tourmaline with .5 carats in diamonds.

“I believe no matter the setting, you will always be able to find divine elegance,” he said. “My filters of life become my end creation.”

For more information on Harry Roa’s jewelry, visit his gallery website: www.harryroagallery.com.

For more festival information, visit www.lqaf.com.