Western Makers
JEWELRY ARTIST MICHAEL FRENCH SPENDS so much time on the road that people question where he even lives—it’s Albuquerque,
New Mexico, by the way. “Everyone sees us everywhere,” he says. “But being everywhere all the time certainly keeps us busy.”
French is the owner of Red Rabbit Trading Co., which specializes in vintage Southwest jewelry, all of which French designs and makes by hand. He spends a lot of time on the road—or in the air, depending on where he’s headed—going to events all around the world, from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Santa Fe to venues throughout Europe and Asia.
“I make vintage-inspired products in the style of old pawn jewelry. But also I’m not fixed to a certain style or price point. I make work that can be customized or sized to fit,” he says. “It’s a lot of silver and turquoise in the pre-1950s tourist area. It’s heavy-gauge silver with turquoise from American mines. All of it is inspired by the Southwest.”
Red Rabbit deals direct to collectors, as well as selling wholesale to buyers who send his designs all around the world, particularly to the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as to Japan and Hong Kong. They generally attend four shows overseas every year, though they have done as many as eight shows, many of them vintage fashion shows or fairs.
“Many buyers overseas respect the process and respect artisan things. They like to have a relationship with the maker and get to know them and their work,” he says. “And while most of our clients are overseas, we are seeing more interest here in America.”
For more information about Red Rabbit Trading Co. visit its website at www.redrabbittradingco.com, or see a current portfolio of French’s work on Instagram (@redrabbittrading).