Sea Flower Ring - Differences Unite Us

Materials: lampwork glass cab, sterling and fine silver
Dimensions: 1" x 7/8" ring size 10 1/2

Differences unite us. No matter where we live and work, we all live on the same planet.

Photo credit: Carol Holaday

Carol Holaday
Monterey, California. USA

I am interested in jewelry’s potential as an object of personal meaning and communication. In my work I utilize images with symbolic connections that are both obvious and obscure. The power of color to influence one’s state of mind or health is especially meaningful to me.

I live in sight of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary where the changing colors of the ocean provides constant inspiration and a sense of peace that I attempt to express in my work.

M.A. in Art 1978 San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Self employed jeweler since 1975
Instructor: Jewelry and Metal Arts, Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA, 1986 to present


Ganoksin hosts the jewelry list Orchid, with over 13,000 list members from all over the world, speaking from a wide range of technical and aesthetic experiences. The exhibition theme grew out of a desire to celebrate the creativity encompassed in this wide variety.

Artists were free to interpret the theme in any way they chose. Each artist could submit up to six pieces. Interpretations include uniting different materials into one cohesive form; intellectual and emotional “unitings”, where the meaning of the piece unites multiple concepts; the uniting of time - past, present and future; and a number that focus on the harmony created when uniting multiple materials and/or concepts.

The work submitted involved a wide range of jewelry techniques, from very traditional to very cutting edge, as well as using materials from traditional precious metals and gemstones to “re-purposed” and “up-cycled” materials.

The exhibition showcases 330 images chosen from entries from over 111 artists representing 26 countries.

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Serbia, Spain, Trinidad, Turkey, UK, USA, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands

Many of the participants began their interest in jewelry at a young age. Some are relative newcomers to the field, and some have over 35 years of experience as professional jewelers and goldsmiths. While some grew up in families that were goldsmiths, and followed in those footsteps, others only began creating jewelry as adults.