Silver is an incredible metal. It looks and feels good on and shines so beautifully. It is the main metal I use in my work for it's versatility and accessibility. Whether it's for everyday wear or for a special occasion piece, silver is a great way to go.
On this hot summer day it was impossible to not see the similarity in color between these delicious berries and these delectible sapphires.
This mouth-watering pink Tourmaline cab is set into a silver homage to the oyster shell.
It hangs right over the heart, for a true oyster lover!
Deposits of beauty and value from deep within the earth breathe energy into jewelry by reflecting light and adding color.
Gems often have multiple meanings. The value of the stone may be protection, to support healing, or to increase our connection with our highest calling. There's a stone for just about every intention!
But beauty is what strikes us. It may be the light bouncing off the surface of the stone or the inclusions that give it character and draw us in. The color can play our heartstrings and remind us of a moment or a feeling- the color of turquoise like the ocean yet harvested from the mountains; the potential of the sun captured in the glow of a citrine or in the facets of a diamond; the moment when your beloved gifted you a piece of jewelry and said the stone resembled your eyes.
Do you have a favorite stone? Here are some of mine.
Decades of collecting gems leads to a collection. Some favorites represented here are Sapphires, Emeralds, Opals, and perhaps my favorite, Pearls.
Many stones are believed to have healing powers. While researching Rutilated Quartz crystals and their ability to get energy moving on all fronts, I found the oval, round and the teardrop shaped stones. These three live on my altar where they've been helping to keep the flow flowing, and where they await the perfect design.
The Labradorite (top) captures interest with its reflective quality reminiscent of the iridescent aurora borealis. It a protective stone that supports our magical abilities! This stone lives in a custom made pendant that a magical woman wears especially when she needs to feel even more groovy.
The crystal druzy (bottom right) heals, cleanses, balances, and strengthens on physical and energetic levels. I thought it was a beautiful rock so I keep it with other pieces waiting to become pieces of jewelry.
This rock was purchased from a woman on the road to Tibet after a good, long bargaining session. The origin and story add to its quality but do not surpass its beauty.
The texture of the stone is supported by a thick wall of silver that compliments its natural colors and variations.
These are a fine specimen of Watermelon Tourmaline. Note the green of the rind and the pink of the flesh.
I dream of stones like this but all the Tourmalines I use are much smaller, somehow they are still satisfying.
The Mandala's are co-creations with my father, a very creative gent. He makes the original pattern and I turn it into metal. He says he just thinks they're pretty but I regard each Mandala as a symbol of eternal love. They represent the collaborative process of romantic love as well as the unending, universal love we all tap into. The first piece was a pendant cast in gold and given to his love of nearly 50 years, my mother.
Pieces created upon request
Here are Ben and Seema's anniversary bands after casting before they were cut off of their common sprue and cleaned up. They are made of the same metal with each ring attached to a different sprue, or branch, sharing a common trunk.
Each ring has an infinity symbol in its design, at their request. Sterling Silver.
For their first wedding anniversary Seema, an artist, and Ben, a chef, requested matching bands that were durable and represented infinity.
The flow and swirls are inspired by Seemas paintings
Incorporated into each ring is an infinity symbol.
A friend and lawyer wanted a bad ass Maltese cross ring to match his alter ego of a rock n' roll star!
An earth mother goddess was in need of a metaphorical shield that hugged her finger and paid tribute to the beauty of nature.
This ring was cast in cuttlefish bone and formed into a ring. The pattern is a direct result of pouring molten metal into the cuttle bone.
Camellia came to me with an old and battered silver ring that held this beautiful Labradorite. We played with the idea of another ring but settled on a pendant to highlight the stones size and colors.
The moon crescent mimics her style and whimsy while its size implies a bold timelessness.
Jewelry is often given as a gift to represent love. The strength of the metal and stones are tribute to the resilient nature of love. The cost of precious metals and natural gems serves as an investment in the promise, be it a gift to a lover or a gift to yourself. Finding the right piece of jewelry to represent your love is kismet!
Because sometimes the two go together. Here shown with one band silver, one band gold.
This understated Imperial Topaz is set in 14k yellow gold.
Asymmetrically, it rests to the side giving a casual yet elegant appearance.
The two bands stack imperfectly, by design.
Size 5 1/2
