Agate Ranch + Marfa

February 4, 2015 by Brittany

Yesterday I went to a first viewing of Agate Ranch + Marfa 2015 collection at local Houston boutique Julie Rhodes. Agate Ranch + Marfa is a handcrafted jewelry line that focuses on a West Texas design. The designer Kathy Bracewell incorporates agate slabs with embellishments including vintage Milagros and rosary seed beads to create one of a kind pieces. Her jewelry is so unique and the time and preparation before the jewelry is made was amazing to hear. Kathy made a personal appearance with a trunk show yesterday where I got to talk to her in person. She is one of the sweetest people I have met and is so funny with a bubbly personality. Her story and eye for design is amazing. Then I got to ask her a couple of questions below.

Q&A

1. What made you decide to get into making jewelry? It started about 5 years ago when I was intrigued by the agate and saw the YSL runway shows with the models wearing the big stones around their neck. I live on 5,000 acres where I would find the stones. It started where I would make the necklaces and then put them around my daughters necks. It then grew into a business.

2. So everything is hand made and the stones come exclusively from your ranch in West Texas, explain the process and how long it normally takes? First I go and search for the stones and then the stones are cut that day. Typically I get 3-4 slabs out of 1 stone. Then it takes a while to polish and if I tumble them that can take about a month.

3. What makes the stones from Marfa different? The agate here stays in more whites and blacks instead of parts of different regions like Mexico where they can appear a pinkish color.

4. Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers? I really like Virgin Saints and Angels which is based out of Mexico.

5. Where do you see the line in the next 5 years? Expanding not only to different areas but expanding to include earrings and bracelets as well.

6. Have you been to the Houston Rodeo? Yes many of times. I am a native Houstonian, so of course!

The proceeds from the trunk show benefitted the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Attendees got a chance to create their own unique necklace choosing from a selection of West Texas agates, various chain styles, vintage Milagros and more. Adding a clip of feathers to the necklace was my favorite added touch. These necklaces and rings will make a great addition to your jewelry collection, especially with rodeo season just around the corner. You can view more of the collection at Julie Rhodes and feel and try on the pieces.