The Jewelry Story
I’ve been a lapidary and silver artist for about 14 years. My recent past life was in commercial photography – working in the field for 15 years. Life changes led me out of photography and into rocks! I learned my lapidary skills at the workshop at Crater Rock Museum, which then led to silver-smithing to do something with all of the cabochons I was creating. I took several hours of one-on-one instruction and then jumped in with both feet – purchasing a base amount of equipment to get me started. Being mostly self taught, I have found great value over the years in instructional articles in trade magazines as well as videos on YouTube!
I hand pick all of my slabs, digging through bins at the back of rock shops, or going tent to tent at rock shows. I select my raw material based on eye appeal, paying attention to what the natural patterns are and how it would translate to a finished cabochon. I have my favorite materials to work with, but generally I’m looking for any stone that has great interest in patterns and colors.
Once I’ve cut and polished the cabochon, I’ll design the pendant with the patterns of the stone in mind, at times bringing out a similar texture onto the sterling silver. I go between having a concept first and cutting a stone to match, and designing around an already finished stone.
If you are in Southern Oregon, many of my pieces can be found at Art and Soul Ashland Gallery - www.artandsoulashland.com
