Leo Feeney has traveled throughout most of the country because… he grew up with his father, who served in the navy. In college in Pennsylvania, Leo Feeney finally found his niche by learning the art of jewelry making. He developed his skills and techniques by becoming an apprentice to a goldsmith – a college teacher.
When Leo traveled to the Southwest, passing around the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, there he not only met his wife, but was also introduced to the styles and stones of jewelry from the American Southwest. He instantly developed a passion for this unique and beautiful type of jewelry. American Indian design, especially Zuni Pueblo jewelry, greatly influenced Leo’s personal style as he established himself as a jeweler. In his work, Leo traditionally uses turquoise, as well as gaspeite, mother of pearl and red coral, but also includes semi-precious transparent stones such as peridot, garnet, amethyst, citrine, topaz and others.
Leo feels the energy of stones and can correctly combine completely different stones into a product. Once he gets the right combination of stones, he selects the design and begins working with the silver. Only then can the piece boast fine details and fine craftsmanship.
