SOLOS Fine Silver: 2008

Born in the late 50’s in Houston, Texas, from an American father and a Dutch mother, Arnold Horowitz shows already an intense interest in stones as a youngster.

In the late 60’s, his mother is somewhat of an adventurous woman which drives them both many times into deep Mexico to a quaint city called Guanajuato which is surrounded by silver mines. It is in these silver mines that he buys his first stones. A few trips later they go all the way up to Taxco, the true Mexican silver capital where they visited many times in the following years, buying silver to sell in the States. These numerous trips made Arnold Horowitz fell in love with this intriguing silver haven and decided to establish himself as permanent resident.

At this point in time, Horowitz is considered only as a stone enthusiast that gets his hands on all the most unusual stones that he comes across. Little did he know that his passion for stone would propel him into the world of custom-handmade jewellery.

As life sets in and one must do a living, Horowitz finds himself in Taxco Guerrero, Mexico, where he opens a restaurant called Fresco (Fresh). Chef by day, artist by night, he dabbles with the idea of someday becoming a jewel maker and learns as much as he can about silver and stones. His rapidly growing knowledge on the subject directed Horowitz into selecting very unfamiliar stone to work with, his taste for the unknown and his passion to make others discover hidden treasures surrounded him by marginal people and artist alike. The more he learned to make quality products with unique stones, the more unconventional people were involved; his reputation and circle of friends grew.

Fresco is somewhat of a nexus point for many mayoristas (wholesalers) scouting the region and one day one of these men showed him quite a unique array of stones; it was all it took to get Horowitz passion into motion.

Shortly after this, he meets one Jacqui Webster from London. She tells Horowitz that for stones, he should go to Jaipur, India. One of the world gem capitals. She also told him to find a hotel called Evergreen, where world artists, buyers and sellers would attend and meet.

Arnold Horowitz sold his restaurant and his van, bought a plane ticket and never looked back. In July of 2001, he arrives in Jaipur, where he still lives with his Indian wife, right in front of the mythical Evergreen Hotel where he lived for 2 years.

As many artists of his demeanour, he did well in Arts in school but has no formal education on the subject. The world has been his mentor, his travels, to over 26 countries in the search of stones, his tutor.

Like many risk takers, he left the cosiness of a day to day job for the unpredictable world of artists and entrepreneurs. Arnold Horowitz won his gamble and established himself as a reference in the custom-handmade jewellery business. His work has been showed in countless famous magazines such as Vogue India, Vogue Australia, Society, ELLE, Cosmo and L'Officiel. His pieces have been imitated at a grand scale even with the SOLOS inscription etched on them. Imitation is definitely the nastiest act of adulation.

As a music writer who does not listen to the radio when he composes in fear of being influenced, Horowitz never looks at magazines or designs. He creates in the pure form. When told that his creations had been seen here or there, or in this or that magazine, he just nods. Humble and modest in his business, he believes in his product and not marketing. After 15 years in the business, only now does SOLOS feel the need to open up the gates and let the world know about his unique patterns and designs.

- Manticore