Many of you know the name Nino925.  I have written about him in these virtual pages a number of times.  The man behind what might be considered some of the best biker jewelry out there is Frank Zubieta and his virtual home can be found at www.nino925.com.

I have known Frank for about five years now and, if I remember correctly, we met at the Sturgis Rally.  It seems we both started to really hit the rally and show circuit at about that time and I would see him at Easyriders events and other biker shows all over the country.  I knew immediately that I wanted to collect his work for my fingers and had to restrain myself to only buy one piece a year rather than suiting up my little hands all at once.  Now, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t in the market for items for my Ol’ Lady and other friends.  No, not at all, I have gotten a ring or two for club brothers as gifts and my better half sports a couple rings and a beautiful set of skulls in her ears that have all come from Nino’s studio.

One of the original computer mock ups for the ArtBiker Ring

One of the original computer mock ups for the ArtBiker Ring

Long story short, Frank and I were chatting at an event and the idea of a custom ArtBiker ring became the topic of discussion.  We bounced ideas around a bit, but being the artist that Nino is, there was a vision in his mind right from the beginning.  I recently wrote about how he took the ArtBiker logo and worked it into an amazing 3D computer model in ring form.  Well, hours of delicate and diligent work later, that computer model is now the finest grade silver formed into a stunning ring that I probably don’t deserve to wear!

Below you will find a three-minute segment from a past episode of American Thunder.  Frank was showcased and the piece describes the lost wax process that Nino uses to create all of his works.

The ArtBiker ring is a very special design that was adapted from one of my ArtBiker logo designs.  Frank chose this particular logo because it was his wish that he create a piece that was substantial enough to stand out and have a nice weight to it.  I think this has been achieved.  The ring’s center is a diamond shape that is often used in biker culture.  The center of the diamond is the shape of the Polaroid SX-70 camera that I have used to create the majority of my biker and Americana imagery.  The camera is set off by the words “Art” and “Biker” which sit above and below the camera image respectively.

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The diamond is flanked by an engraving of wings (one on each side), which completes the “flying camera” motif that makes up many of the ArtBiker logos.  By engraving the sides of the ring, it remains comfortable to wear.  The top of the ring is where we find the diamond shape that protrudes ever so slightly above the surface of the ring and extends beyond the area of the band at both the top and bottom.  Nino has designed this in such a way that the diamond shape seems to pop out of the ring, breaking free of the band and pulling away rather that a shape “set into” a ring like so many stones that are put into proper settings.

Visually the ring speaks for itself and both my Ol’ Lady and I were COMPLETELY blown away at the artful craftsmanship with which the rings were made.  I say rings because Frank was kind enough to make us a His and Hers matched set.

_MG_2693The experience and artistic vision that Frank Zubieta possesses are quite apparent not only in the new ArtBiker Rings, but in all of his creations.  Nino has a huge selection of men and women’s styles and he also has some of the most amazing wallet chains, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and buckles available.  And that is still not all he offers.

So, you say, “Hey ArtBiker, I totally dig what Nino does, but I only wear gold, Brotha’.”  Well, that is cool too because many of the same affordable designs offered in .925 silver also come in gold!  Heck, if you really want to wow them, try an 18k White Gold skull ring with a diamond studded head and dark blue sapphires for eyes!  Don’t care for the sapphires?  Request something else like rubies or emeralds… whatever you want!  Nino is flexible like that, flexible and all about customer service.  In fact, Frank might even argue that his greatest asset is his service policy.

All Nino925 products come with a lifetime warranty, and his customer service in unsurpassable.  I have personally spoken to 40 or 50 of Frank’s returning customers over the past few years and each one goes on and on about how amazing their experiences are with him.  In fact, I have spoken to quite a few folks who have told me they pay the entrance fee at Easyriders events in their area just so they can buy a ring.  Not that you would have to do that.  www.Nino925.com has everything available and you will get the same level of service and the same attention from Frank than you would if you stopped in on him at his booth.  He is quick to answer questions, can size and resize for you at the drop of a hat, and that is not special treatment.  He is always talking to customers as if they were old friends, showing them his newest designs and inviting everyone to just say hello and check it out.

_MG_2694In the coming weeks, we at ArtBiker World will have the privilege of bringing you news of the latest Nino925 creations including some new custom work!  Keep you eyes open and we will bring you details on how you can order your own custom jewelry to compliment your bike’s custom paint, your favorite tattoo, your business or club logo, or anything else you can dream up.  Until then, I am off to the road to watch the light reflect off my new ArtBiker ring as I blip the throttle and follow that 21” hoop wherever she wants to take me.

Love, Respect, and Bling Bling!

ArtBiker

ATTN: Frank just sent me a note saying that any of our readers who enter the code “Art Biker” will get 10% OFF!!! This is a limited time offer so I suggest you check it out today.  Be sure to visit the website and check out the goods!  www.nino925.com

I guarantee you will not be disappointed

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Seal beach, calif. – June 2, 2009 – Custom and lifestyle jewelry maker Nino925 today released a new ring design for Master Builder Ralph Randolph of Knockout Motorcycle Co.  The ring is emblazoned with Randolph’s signature boxing skeletons and flames, and includes his lucky number 18 on each of the ring.

“My passion is creating designs that appeal to the unique and freedom-loving lifestyle of people like Ralph’s customers and fans,” said Frank Zubieta, designer and owner, Nino925.  “Only 99 signature Knockout Motorcycle Co. rings were created and are exclusively available at www.Nino925.com for $150.00.    Nino925.com is constantly updated with new jewelry designs and accessories to help anyone passionate about expressing their individuality achieve that goal at prices that won’t leave them broke.”

Nino925’s line of original pieces can be seen in various magazines and are being worn by celebrity and master builders like Aaron Green, Scott Long, Jerry Burrow, Johnny Goodson,  and Ralph Randolph.  Randolph is one of Arizona’s premiere master builders and owns a full service shop that features only top notch Harley Davidson certified mechanics. 

“At Knockout Motorcycle Co., attention to detail and customization are what matter most,” said Randolph.  “That’s why I commissioned Frank Zubieta of Nino925 to create the official Knockout Motorcycle Co. ring.  Top-notch craftsmanship is the mainstay of Nino925.” 

For more information on Nino925, visit www.Nino925.com.  For information on purchasing or distributing Nino925 jewelry, please contact info@nino925.com

About Nino925.com

 Nino925 is a lifestyle jewelry company that specializes in handmade silver, gold and platinum jewelry as well as accessories and apparel.  Nino925 is a favorite among celebrity bike builders, rockers and the distinctive set.  Selections from the Nino925 line have been featured on the Speed Channel and in various national and international magazines like V-Twin, Easyriders Hot Girls, Custom Machines, Mondo Biker, This Is Rock .  Nino925 is based in Orange County, Calif.

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You ever wonder how an amazing custom piece of jewelry is created?  Well, I have had the opportunity to work with one of the premiere biker jewelers doing just that.  Now, I say that I have had a hand in this, and that is not really true.  All I did was send a couple of logos to Frank Zubieta of Nino925.com and he took it from there.

First things first, I have written about Frank in the past as I have been a huge fan of Nino’s jewelry since I began wearing rings.  I would see him at all the rallies and there was always a new design that I couldn’t wait to wrap around one of my fingers.  While his prices have always been incredibly reasonable (dare I say even downright inexpensive), I paced myself and would buy one piece a year for myself.  I now own five or six rings and my old lady has a ring and a super cool set of earrings. 

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Nino’s work is completely custom and he begins by creating a design from scratch.  His ideas come from his involvement with the culture and from both what his customers ask for as well as what he sees as a surprise that his customers didn’t even think of yet.  Over the years, our friendship has grown and I very much look forward to seeing Frank each year at as many of the Easyrider’s shows as I can attend.  He does not always make the biker rallies these days as he spends so much time in his studio creating these fine works of wearable art. 

Recently Nino offered to make a special ArtBiker ring just for my old lady and me.  How could I say no?  I shot off a couple of design ideas and he took it from there.  Soon I received an e-mail with a cool 3-D version of my logo attached.  This was the beginning of mocking up the design, as it would translate into a piece of jewelry. 

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To say the least, I was impressed.  There were a couple minor changes and we discussed a few possibilities and that was all I heard for a bit.  Then, during my recent trip to the New Orleans Bike Week gig, I got to see my good friend again.  And guess what he had for me to check out?  A mock up of the final mold!  I took a bunch of pictures so you could get an idea of what the final product is going to look like.  Nino mentioned that he wanted the ring to feel substantial and have some nice weight to it.  I think he has gone above and beyond.

I hope to get a hold of Frank this coming week to ask him more about how his rings are made.  I will report on that conversation as well as get pictures of the new ring in its final form. Until then, do me a huge favor and check out his work on his site, www.Nino925.com.  I promise you will not be disappointed in his work.

 

Love, Respect, and Ride Safe,

ArtBiker

 

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This week I got a note from my good friend Frank Zubieta of www.Nino925.com.  I have posted about him in the past, as he is the ONLY choice for me when it comes to biker jewelry!  His products just rock my world.

mat-2Anyway, Frank has been working on a new ArtBiker design and sent a mock up of the mold he will be creating for the new ring.  I think it is just beautiful and the final image and rings, one for me and one for the Ol’ Lady, will be arriving soon.  As soon as they come in, you will get the entire scoop.  In the meantime, Nino has been working on a few other pieces and we have the first big scoop!  

The promo card that Nino sent shows us some of the newest works available from this master artisan.  Those of you who will be joining me in New Orleans for the first annual Bike Week there might consider getting your hands on the Fleur de Lis keychain.  This piece will certainly be a touchstone that reminds you of all the fun you had, and maybe even the fun you forgot you had trolling down Bourbon Street on your Hog.  Or maybe you, like me, have a deep-seated love affair with Route 66.  I have lived in more than one city along this historic route and the new Route 66 ring is by far the classiest piece of memorabilia out there.  

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The new Crusader style cross and crown ring are both beautiful in their forms and are heirloom quality.  But if you asked me what I was ready to throw down my Benjamins for, I would have to say it is that sweet, sweet Sugar Skull ring or that badass bracelet with the skulls facing off with one another in an infinite stare.  Both of these pieces show just how far Nino has pushed the envelope and his abilities as a jeweler.  The detail that is presented is strong and bold, yet the lines are flowing and even elegant.  You will be hard pressed to find this quality of work anywhere, let alone in the biker lifestyle world.  And, as the name implies, only the finest grade of silver is used for these products and each piece is stamped with the 925 insignia.  

We will continue to keep our eyes out for the latest designs and you make sure to free up some space on your hands… you are certainly going to want some of this bling for your collection.

 

Love, Respect, and Ride Safe,

ArtBiker

 

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franks_picture22_2791I bought my first piece from Frank Zubieta of Nino 925 at the Myrtle Beach Rally in 2004.  I had met him a year or two earlier at the Sturgis Rally and later ran into him at Daytona as well as at Easyrider’s Shows around the country.  He has become a good friend and his bling is the only bling I wear.  Looks like I am in good company as his client list includes many custom bike builders, musicians, and folks that are way more famous than some biker guy with a blog.

Frank works in .925 sterling silver for much of his jewelry.  This sterling is the highest quality you can get and this is where he acquired his name.  Since starting up in 1989, he has branched out and now designs jewelry in sterling silver, yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.  He has also greatly increased the number and style of products he has available to the public. big_classic_band_with_skull_ring

In pursuing his site, I find that the rings I own, as well as the ones I bought for the Ol’ Lady, have all gone up in value.  This is a sign of the fantastic quality that Frank puts out.  Zubieta even does custom work and once whipped up a pair of amazing skull earrings for Mamma. If you have a particular piece in mind, he will work with you to create just about anything. 

If you or someone you know are in the market for some really quality biker jewelry, please do yourself a favor and look up Nino.  The quality is top notch and Frank is a fantastic person to work with.  He med_bl47m3is very kind, patient, and an all around good guy.  As I stated before, I have been collecting his work for about four years now and I still have a wish list of items I really want from him.  My list includes the lucky 13 skull & bones ring, the classic band with skull ring (as a replacement for my original wedding band which is now too small for my chubby little fingers), the Dead Man’s Hand ring, the skull money clip, and the oh so cool skull wallet chain.  In fact, Frank, if you are looking to send me a gift for the holidays, you can start with these!

Be sure to check out the site and make your own wish list at www.nino925.com.  Get yourself something and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.  Let me know what you got and which items are on your wish list.  And while you are at the website, check out the great segment on Nino 925 from a past American Thunder episode.  You get to see exactly how these little jewels are made.

 

Love, Respect, and Ride Safe,

ArtBiker

 

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