Masks have had their influence on Modern art movements, with artist like Pablo Picasso and Matisse who found masks of Western Oceania as inspiration. I too, am hoping to express our human spirit just like the first Americans who carved emblems of themselves and their surroundings into totem poles and masks.
While some masks and masked ceremonies have died out over the years, other cultures have held onto their traditions. The Venetian Carnival Masks come to mind as well as the Mexican Day of the Dead. In general masks tend to represent spirits or beings important to the ritual in which the mask is used.
My inspiration was the Covad virus. To create a mask that was a universal icon, symbolizing respect for others. A mask without any associated religious or social customs. A mask that would subtly promote respect others and acknowledge our connected universe. I believe a mask can be a transformative experience, just look at Halloween.
Masks have been an important cultural experience. Like artists before me, I am reacting to a social event. I have created a subtle mask-like image that can be worn as pendant and or as earrings and can be ordered in silver or gold. Let's embrace the mask, making it an important part in our universal fight to end this virus.
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Perhaps that experience laid dormant until adult hood. On a whim I responded to a part time evening class at Parsons School of Art in New York. The first torch lighting was such an awaking. The young boy who knew no boundaries weaving flowers suddenly found an old passion;ic jewelry making. The creative energy I responded to years ago holds true for me now as I sketch dynamic patterns and mythical creatures bringing them to life in metal and gemstones.
A love of Nature and the animal world along with a sense of connection remain a driving force for my jewelry today. There is a sacred magic and myth for me that emerges from the sketch to the precious metal and the final polished jewelry art.]]>My biggest challenge was the connection of each two headed dragon link. Originally, I drew a basic link to link for each connection, but once I began soldering each sterling link, I felt the bracelet lacked interest. Pushing myself to find a more interesting connection I, after chatting with another artist I came up with what I think is a perfect solution. Between each link will be a very small egg like connection that will somewhat cover the jump rings used to connect the links. The small dome shapes reminded me of the dragon eggs. I am excited to rework the linkage using 14kt white gold jump rings for added strength.
To complete the look, I am planning on setting 5 red garnet cabochons between each dragon link representing the hot, fierce fire-breathing dragon I could carve.]]>The concept of 12 birthstones seems to date back to Aaron, the high priest of the Israelites and brother to Moses. On his ceremonial breastplate were 12 gemstones, each one representing a tribe of Israel. Josephus, a Jewish historian, is responsible for connecting those stones to the 12 months of the year and the zodiac signs, thus the concept of birthstones.
It is interesting to note that many cultures have kept different lists of traditional birthstones, giving rise to a vast range of birthstone options. Some months, such as October and December list two different stones for their particular month.
With the many gemstone options available today, I suggest you look at a recommended “birthstone” for your birth month, keeping in mind the history behind the list of “appropriate” stones. If you feel a relationship to a gemstone, regardless of the recommended stone, then I say go for it. Your choice is personal, or should be regardless of a given list.
]]>The pendant more than tripled the previous world auction record for a pearl, which was held by a necklace that once belonged to Elizabeth Taylor.
All of the French queen's jewels would likely be lost to history, were she not able to smuggle them to her family in Austria before she attempted to flee France. Indeed, in the words of Le Vian CEO Eddie LeVian, "This is about far more than the gems themselves: Marie Antoinette’s jewelry is inextricably linked to the cause of the French Revolution."
]]>Chrysoprase is composed of crystals so fine, they are not able to been seen by the naked eye, unlike amethyst, citrine and other quartz gemstones. Chrysoprase is the most valuable of the Chalcedony family of gemstones and was often mistaken to be emeralds by ancient jewelers. Today we see Chrysoprase commonly used in fine jewelry. I used it in the Crane earring above, creating a delightful splash of color and movement.
This beautiful stone is on the list of birthstones both for May and June and those of us who aspire to conquer the world.
]]>That's excellent news if you're in the market for this January birthstone. Those of you who have followed me over the years know I am big on transformation. This month’s birthstone fits with my thinking. While in the ground, heat and pressure of metamorphism breaks the chemical bonds and cause minerals to recrystallize into structures that stabilize under the temperature pressure and environment. Garnets start as tiny grains and slowly over time as the metamorphism progresses, they begin to include the surrounding rock materials. How cool is that? Even rocks have the power to change.
Garnet has been used as a gemstone for over 5000 years. It has been found in the jewelry of many Egyptian burials and was the most popular gemstone of Ancient Rome. Not to be outdone by cultures past, I chose the traditional red Garnet associated with this gemstone. I suspended a carved garnet heart from the mouth of a small dragon stickpin I created. Even Dragons can change and have a heart, after all it is a new year!
]]>The museum was fortunate enough to acquire this beautiful Imperial 48.86-carat red “Whitney Flame Topaz,” from philanthropist Coralyn Wright Whitney who had owned this gorgeous gem for decades.
If you get the chance do take a trip to the Washington DC Smithsonian Museum and treat yourself to this beautiful work by Mother Nature.
]]>Aside from the most famous ritual, Halloween, begun with the Celtic Culture, the Day of the Dead has become equally famous throughout Mexico and Latin America.
Day of the Dead, Oct 28ththrough Nov1st is a time where family members decorate an altar with flowers, food and photos of their lost relatives. The celebration of this festival tends to believe death is something that should be celebrated and not to be afraid of. In general, this is a festive time designed with spiritual meaning as well as the playful aesthetic of sugar skulls and dancing skeletons. It’s a time where the indigenous communities and beliefs are honored and respected as well as a time for a celebration that anyone can participate. This is truly a global holiday.
Also interesting to note the colors associated with the Day of the Dead: Purple signifies pain, suffering, grief and mourning, Pink signifies Celebration, White, Purity and Hope, Orange, the Sun and Red, the Blood of Life and Yellow represents Marigolds who's petals are used to mark the pathway to the family altar.
]]>For many of us, the phrase conjures up images of dogs lying about the devastatingly steamy summer lawn panting. I thought it interesting the original meaning over time has been lost. We have a tendency to address the origin of something we don’t know by coming up with a plausible modern explanation. Thus the panting dog lying about panting.
Did the Greeks get it right? Do the Dog Days of summer start when Sirius rises? Well maybe not. Our Earth is like a spinning top; its rotation causes it to wobble around. Sirius may rise around the middle of August in Athens and farther south it will happen earlier in the year. The stars, according to astronomer Larry Ciupik, shift as the Earth’s rotation wobbles. Professor of physics Bradley Schaefer says in 26,000 years, the dog days will have completely moved all around the sky. Just think thousands of years from now we may be talking about the dog days of winter! Conjuring up images of dogs lying about the fireplace trying to stay warm.ee These
My tumbling dog earrings are happy to lay about your ears regardless of when Sirius rises. Be sure to check them out under earring on this site.
]]>When Kate Middleton accepted Prince William’s proposal, it was accompanied with a sparkling Blue Sapphire center stone surrounded by white diamonds. The blue sapphire in Kate’s engagement ring had belonged to Prince Williams mother, this provided a personal connection to his mother. I believe this was the beginning of engagement rings that were designed with a personal meaning to a couple.
The engagement of Prince Harry to Megan Markle continued the trend. The 3 stone sparkler Harry commissioned for his bride was a center diamond from Botswana (a special place for the couple) and two surrounding diamonds that belonged to Prince Harry’s mother, Diana. This latest public engagement furthered the trend of consumers more focused on the meaning behind their designed ring.
The result is a timeless design loaded with personal meaning. Prospective wedding couples are no longer pressured to buy diamonds or spend three months’ salary just because it’s the expected norm. I welcome this trend of blending design with a personal meaning. I love how people are eager to put a part of themselves into the design of their special ring that will have a lasting impact. Congratulations to Harry and Megan and all of you about to commit to one another. By creating an engagement ring that has a meaningful story, you will not only have a beautiful ring, but a ring that will live long past your wedding day.
]]>First up, Pearls, shown above are a pair of earrings I created using South Sea Pearls. Pearls are the only gemstones made by living creatures. These lovely organic gems don’t require polishing to reveal their natural luster. The rarest, of course, are natural pearls made in the wild and are extremely rare. The majority of pearls grown and seen on the market today are the more affordable cultured pearl. The cultured pearl is grown on pearl farms using a delicate surgical procedure of implanting a bead into the mollusk before returning it to the water where it is continually cared for. It is interesting to note, 10,000 pearls may be sorted before a 16” strand of single beautifully matched pearls is assembled.
June’s second birthstone choice, Moonstone. The Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone’s shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon, named this gem. Moonstone is composed of microscopic layers of feldspar that scatter light causing a billowy effect of adularescence. Thinner layers produce a bluish sheen and thicker layers look white. Moonstone comes in a range of colors spanning yellow, gray, green, blue, peach and pink—sometimes displaying a star or cat’s eye.
Taking up Third and no less the least favorite is the ever-changing Alexandrite. Alexandrite is a relatively modern gem discovered in Russia around 1834 in an emerald mine in the Ural Mountains. This beautiful rare gemstone was discovered on the same day the future Russian Czar, Alexander II came of age. In his honor, the gemstone was named Alexandrite. This green to red stone is known as the official Imperial Russian Gemstone. It is often described as “Emerald by day, Ruby by night,” this gem is a rare, changing color from bluish green in daylight to purplish red under incandescent light.
So Gemini, the choice is yours, One, Two or Three. As a Gemini myself, I suggest you change your gem of choice each year.
]]>I believe the word craftsmanship also fits into today’s tech world. Creating a design that can be integrated with the guidance of a technical computer operator is for me, yet another expression of the connectedness l believe in and often seen in my work. No way does this diminish the craftsmanship and design of my work. Combining a design with the mechanical skills of technology is a way of using a new tool to support my creativity. The efficiency technology affords me, allows me more time to develop new expressions.
In the end, craftsmanship is all about quality, passion and experience and a desire to produce a valuable work of art.
My simple definition… a skilled artistan whose quality of design and work shows in what is made. It’s a skill that is motivated by mastery and can often feel meditative to the artist. There is a passion for the work that is produced coupled with an attitude that believes this is important and as such so is the end value of the work. This is not a destination, but a long discipline.
I believe the word craftsmanship also fits into today’s tech world. Creating a design that can be integrated with the guidance of a technical computer operator is for me, yet another expression of the connectedness l believe in and often seen in my work. No way does this diminish the craftsmanship and design of my work. Combining a design with the mechanical skills of technology is a way of using a new tool to support my creativity. The efficiency technology affords me, allows me more time to develop new expressions.
In the end, craftsmanship is all about quality, passion and experience and a desire to produce a valuable work of art.
]]>It seems the engagement ring was introduced by the Romans. Knowing the love this culture had for jewelry, I buy into that. Back then, the groom would give his bride two engagement bands: one of iron and one made of gold. It appears that ancient Romans wore their unembellished iron bands while at home, but when traveling in public the elite wore gold bands. The band was placed on what we call the ring finger on the left hand. It was believed at the time the ring finger contained a vein that connected directly to the heart. The Iron band was first introduced as a symbol of strength and placed in a circular form representing eternity and became known as a symbol of the martial contract, it was “Ironclad”.
Our modern day wedding rings are given as a symbol of love and commitment. I’m willing to bet the Roman iron wedding ring indicated ownership more than commitment. Glad we evolved from that. As time and artistry evolved, wedding and engagement rings became more elaborate for the elite of Rome. Just as the Romans evolved in their engagement symbols, we too have begun to move away from the time honored all white diamond engagement ring to a ring more reflective of the bride and groom. Many in their twenties are choosing color to represent their commitment. Whether Princess Diana cleared the way for this new thinking or the popularity of color gemstones among the young started this movement it is here to stay.
The Romans may have sported wedding bands to show their “ownership” today’s couples have abandoned the notion of “ownership” to one of committed support and love. This symbol of their commitment is on display in their independent choice of color for their engagement ring. The look is a timeless symbol as love it’s self.
]]>I personally love the variety of color, like the sea, that can be found with Aquamarine gemstones. I recently acquired a deep blue 8mm round gem at the Tucson Gem Show this year and I am please it will become the centerpiece of an engagement ring. The trend towards colored gemstones is stronger this year with younger buyers often choosing Aquamarine for their engagement ring—breaking the "diamond only" rule. Aqua's durability makes it ever-lasting, something to consider when shopping for a ring that comes with lifetime promise. Whether you are in the market for an engagement ring or a stone that will recall the romance of the sea, this gemstone is for you. I created the 18kt yellow gold cocktail ring seen above using a fine Aquamarine I located in New York City.
]]>Chief Market Strategist John Reade for the World Gold Council had the following to say:
"The Financial Market Drivers in 2018
According to Reade, “monetary policy – and policymakers – will continue to be significant drivers of gold demand”. He explains that the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) is expected to “hike rates further next year and start to allow its balance sheet to contract”.
Over the next 12 months, Reade predicts a possible slowdown in the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary policy action. Additionally, the Bank of Japan may dial back its quantitative easing, and China could continue its efforts to rebalance economic growth and possibly de-leverage some sectors of the economy.
There are two other factors as potentially important for gold: first, the ongoing strength – or otherwise – of already expensive US equities. Second, the trajectory of the US dollar.
Physical Market Drivers in 2018
Reade explains that income growth is probably the most significant market driver for gold. This rests on the fact that, over the long run, it has been the most important driver of gold demand. Reade says that the WGC is optimistic for its outlook. Additionally, “China, the world’s largest gold market, has avoided the hard landing that many were predicting 18 months ago and is expected to grow at a fair clip in 2018, with the consensus forecast at around 6.4%”.
India is expected to be one of the fastest-growing countries in the world in 2018, expanding at an even faster rate than it did between 2012-2014.
Germany’s economy is expected to maintain its momentum and unemployment is anticipated to continue falling. Finally, the US jewelry market, the third-largest in the world, could benefit from continuing economic growth and high consumer confidence."
So there you have it, gold certainly looks strong and a sound investment for the coming year.
]]>It always brings about a feeling of change and new adventures, and there is, of course, all of the amazing things people love enjoying these days: sweaters and pumpkin everything that goes with chilly weather, changing leaves, apple picking and of course the start of the holiday season. I’m all about it.
When I think of fall colors, for me it’s a lot of oranges, browns, dark reds and burgundies that remind me each year of growing up in a northern suburb of Chicago.Many of these colors are included in the palette of colors Pantone predicted would be hot this season. I think some are slightly richer than last year and include some zesty hues that I think perfectly encapsulate summer’s hesitation to leave each year.
A pantone color not immediately associated with fall is a soft, feminine pink that is reminiscent of ballet slippers. How unexpected is that? The tone is soft, and just like mother nature's pink that compliments fall colorings, this pink compliments all skin tones.
I have taken my cue from nature and incorporated a beautiful peachy pink Morganite stone in a pair of earrings. My Morganite Crane earrings pictured here are the perfect example of this soft color that’s not only perfect this season, but all seasons and all skin colorings!
]]>It is interesting to note that the Peridot is one of the few gems that come in only one color. It’s tint can very due to its iron content with its exact coloring varying between a yellowish to a perfectly olive green color. The most valuable color variant of Peridot, however, is a dark olive green.
Often mistaken for Emeralds during the Crusades, Peridot is really an under-appreciated gem that is actually quite stunning and can even be seen as part of the Russian crown jewels. I paired a natural Blue Zircon with a Peridot in my Crane earring to compliment the lush green stone. This is a gem with its rich history that will undoubtedly make it a conversational piece in your jewelry collection. So even if your birthstone is not Peridot, you just might want to consider adding it to your jewelry box.
]]>For the first time, a two-story structure has been created in the event venue to accommodate its scale. It will feature 10 themed rooms, including a Theater Room, Current Collection Room, Museum Room, U.S. Historic Room, Rare Handcrafts Gallery and Watchmakers Room.
The U.S. Historic Room will have a curated collection of 27 timepieces on loan from various museums--like the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston—as well as from some of the brand’s most renowned private collectors across the country.
The collection of Graves’ pieces in the U.S Historic Room will showcase six significant watches from the Patek Philippe Museum, including his 1928 open-face, keyless winding pocket watch with minute repeater, Grande Sonnerie, Petite Sonnerie, Perpetual Calendar and Moon Phases.
The Art of Watches Grand Exhibition New York will run from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day (with free admission) through July 23.
]]>Beautiful Tahitian pearls are among the largest pearls in the world, ranging in size from approximately 8 mm to 18 mm. These pearls are bead nucleated making many of them round, or near round, with other shapes expressed in drops, baroques, button and circled pearls. When all other factors are equal, the round Tahitian pearls are considered the most valuable.
Interesting to note, while Tahitian pearls carry the name of the famous Tahiti Island, they do not come from Tahiti. Only the pearls from the Black-lip oyster farmed in French Polynesia may be call Tahitian pearls.
The Boris earring (above) was inspired by the mysterious Tahitian Pearl. These Tahitian Pearl earrings have a thick nacre that produces a glorious glow combined with a remarkable color range that appears regal. Wearing them can only transfer that exotic, magical feeling and who doesn’t want to feel regal!
]]>Palladium is a rare, precious metal. It is a naturally silver-white metal that requires no plating, resists tarnish and is hypo allergic. An added bonus, palladium is less dense than platinum; it is strong and polishes to a beautiful bright silvery white. Palladium, because it is lighter in weight, makes it possible to design large pieces of jewelry that are comfortable to wear.
I have often spoken of my love for 22kt gold, the beautiful buttery yellow color makes me feel like I am a king. The luxurious silver white polish of Palladium however, has sparkled its way into my heart. Whether the metal is coupled with diamonds, pearls, gemstones, or left to itself, it is sure to captivate you as well.
If you are looking for jewelry that remains in the noble metal grouping, but are finding the cost of gold and platinum difficult, I highly recommend 950 Palladium—it is Tough, it is Sexy and certainly will place you ahead of your contemporaries.
]]>The current collection I am featuring on this site is designed and crafted in 18kt yellow gold. I have been drawn to its warm golden color for quite sometime. My collection is about zoomorphic imagery that illustrates the interconnected nature of all living things. Using this noble metal, I have a connection with Mother Earth.
The yellow gold also provides a continuous journey of visual reflections that remind me of our individual, yet collective journey together on this planet.
I hope you’ll take time to scroll through the collection and discover a world of interconnection as well as find a reason to celebrate the beauty of nature’s most noble of metals—gold.
]]>Within a short time, 90 more claims appeared in the same 20-square-mile area. No one was quite sure what the beautiful crystals were, but everyone wanted to lay claim to the profits they were certain to produce. The new gem would eventually be known as tanzanite, and it would, at times, rival the Big 3 in popularity.
Tiffany & Company recognized its potential as an international seller and made a deal to become its main distributor. Tiffany named the gem after the country it came from, and promoted it with a big publicity campaign in 1968. Almost overnight, tanzanite was popular with leading jewelry designers and other gem professionals, as well as with customers who had an eye for beautiful and unusual gems.
]]>Weighing a combined 342 carats, the Mountain Star Ruby Collection consists of four one-of-a-kind gems. Each displays a perfect six-pointed star and their value can only be speculated at.
The most impressive ruby in the collection is called the Appalachian Star. At 139.43, it weighs just over a carat more than the 138-carat Rosser Reeves Star Ruby on display at the Smithsonian. The Rosser Ruby was found in Sri Lanka, the source of most star rubies, alongside Burma. This makes the Mountain Star Ruby collection even more unusual because the gems were found in Appalachia, North Carolina.
The finder, a humble local man and self-confessed “rock hound”, made the discovery in 1990 on one of his regular searches for rare and unusual stones, after which the four stones were examined by gemological testing labs in the US and Europe. He passed away shortly after this find of a lifetime, but not before an exhibition of the Appalachian Star ruby at the Natural History Museum in London in 1992 attracted some 150,000 visitors. The stones have remained with his family ever since.
]]>With the swearing in of the 45th President of the United States at a time when the world seems right for many possible conflicts, I think taking a page out of the Crane’s workbook on how to avoid conflict could be in order.
It is with the thought of a higher consciousness that inspired me to create the Crane Earrings you see on this site. See Earring Collection
]]>The diamond has been graded a G colour with VS1 clarity by the Gemological Institute of America. G is the fourth colour on the scale placing it at the top of the ‘near colourless’ spectrum, while VSI indicates that flaws are visible in the table facet. Not perfect, but pretty close, the ideal being D colour (totally colourless) and F clarity (flawless).
Nonetheless, the size of the Harrods Diamond is out of this world. To put it into perspective, the most famous cut diamond in the world is the 530 carat Cullinan I (D colour) that sits at the centre of the sceptre of the British Crown Jewels, safely stowed in the Tower of London. Outsized white diamonds of over 200 carats garner fame, and stars of this arena include the 203.04 carat Millennium Star, the 205.07carat Red Cross and the 234.65 carat De Beers.
Most remarkable diamonds of this size come with a story: a catalogue of famous owners or, for newer discoveries, a eureka moment at the mine. However, the Harrods Diamond appears to have literally popped up out of the blue. The Harrods press release states: “In the Safe Deposit at the heart of the world-famous Knightsbridge store, home to some of Harrods clients’ most treasured possessions, an incredible diamond has been hiding, a precious stone that is now referred to as “The Harrods Diamond” by its owner [who chooses to remain anonymous] and the stone’s Harrods custodians.” Looking at the photographs, it appears that the stone has been cut recently, suggesting that the diamond that emerged from Harrods was a rough. The size of the rough and its provenance is anyone’s guess.
Article is originally from the Jewellery editor, Dec. 14.
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