Gemstones with Sterling and Gold Earrings
+Artist's Sample Sale: The pieces in this sale include one-offs, class samples and pieces from my personal collection that I found difficult to part with, at discounted prices!
These truly stunning gemstone earrings are set with various semi-precious stones: faceted lapis, amethyst and rare Australian opal. Set on a dark sterling base, 24k gold has been added in the ancient technique of keum boo. The rustic texture of the sterling was hand shaped and forged. These are the perfect mix of luxe and relic!
Sterling ear wires. 2 1/2 inches from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the earring.
Small batch. All sterling + gold. One-of-a-kind. Hand built in the heart of the West.
+About Australian opal:
Australian opals are mined in remote and harsh parts of that country. They require a certain amount of moisture to keep from drying out, which makes mining them in Australia more challenging. They feature a spectacular color spectrum giving them an intense glow, making them a revered gemstone. An exceptional opal can be more expensive that diamonds.
+About lapis: This ancient gemstone has been prized since antiquity for it's deep blue color. It's a metamorphic semi-precious stone that's been used for cosmetics, intarsia, inlay and paint pigment. It often presents with pyrite inclusions and is mostly used in jewelry, today.
+About amethyst: Amethyst, birthstone of February, is a beautiful purple variety of quartz. It is found in all shades of purple from light to deep violet. It's been used as far back as 2000 b.c.
+ Details:
+ All pieces are slowly and carefully handmade, in my studio in Sheridan, Wyoming. Because of this, each piece is unique and may contain the slight imperfections that you would expect with a handcrafted item. Perfectly imperfect!
+ As with all handmade jewelry, please be mindful to take care of it. It should not be worn in the shower, while cleaning, during strenuous activities such as sports, or in the water.
+ Sun, heat, lotions and chemicals can affect stones negatively. Clean silver (not stones) with a gentle polishing cloth, especially for jewelry (Sunshine polishing cloth is recommended and included with your purchase).