I am thrilled to announce that Southwest Affinity is the only online gallery to make available to you the gorgeous sterling silver and gold jewelry designs of Michael Anthony Cheatham and Echota Cherokee silver and goldsmith.

Michael is an enrolled member of the Echota Cherokee, a State recognized Cherokee Band, and an Artist member of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association. He holds membership in ATLATL, a National Service Organization of Indian Arts and Artist.

Michael creates one of a kind, hand fabricated, sterling silver and 14kt gold jewelry. His jewelry can be found in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Michael Wigley Galleries, LTD., in Prescott, Arizona at the Phippen Museum of Western Art and in Snohomish, Washington at the Northwest Native Designs Art Gallery. We, at Southwest Affinity, are lucky to be able to retail some of his product line. Michael says,

My jewelry is inspired by the many colors and textures found in the natural world, by the beauty of the mountains and of the deserts and by my heritage. Cherokee people were experts with copper and silver, along with other materials, long before Columbus sailed toward these shores. I have always been proud of my heritage and jewelry making is in part an expression of that pride.

Being a contemporary jeweler Michael showed interest, at an early age, in this craft but never had the opportunity to explore these interests until later in life. In 1990 he signed up for the colored stones course at GIA (Gemological Institute of America). In 1995 Michael took classes in Silversmithing and lost wax casting. In that same year he received the Gemologist Diploma from the GIA. In 1998 he studied in a workshop under noted Navajo Jeweler "Richard Tsosie". In 1999 Michael began teaching Silversmithing classes.

Michael's jewelry can be found in Fine Art Galleries and Museums in Sedona, Prescott and Tucson Arizona, Santa Fe, San Diego, Block Island, Atlanta and in private collections worldwide.

Michael lives in Spring Valley California with his Fiancée Brandy and his 18 year old son Aaron.  He won 2004s 1st place, in the Metal Jewelry division at the 2004 San Diego Museum of Man Indian Market. 

We are proud to be able to offer the excellent work of Michael Anthony Cheatham.  You can see more of his work here:  Custom Jewelry by Michael Anthony Cheatham

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