I love when I get asked to work outside my usual boundaries. Stretch the imagination, extend the reach of the possibilities. To try something new….
I have a client who loves gemstones and has an aficionado’s appreciation for them. She knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to proliferate those ideas into something meaningful. I love when clients allow me to join their jewelry journey. I’m the Fairy Godmother of sorts. I create magic from their wishes. Turning pumpkins into splendid pixie dust covered carriages——of wearable fine jewelry. It’s enchanting and I never get tired of this process.
My mind begins to spin with all the possibilities. Off to the races, so to speak! I love a challenge and I love figuring out ways to make the magic happen. I love taking raw ingredients….a little Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo…. and making it into something magnificent. My greatest pleasure.
My client asked me to create a matching set utilizing Rutiliated Quartz. I’ve never worked with this material before. If you don’t know what it is, its a combination of clear Crystal Quartz with gold-like striations of Rutile running through it. These golden colored needles form patterns throughout and each one is different and distinct.
When I started this project, I wasn’t even sure where to find this material. I made a trip with Jim to the Tucson Gem Show in February with the intention of locating the materials. I’m so fortunate to have found a partner in life who is constantly up for the challenge of the hunt for gemstones. He is such a wonderful soul.
We flew out to Tucson and looked for Rutilated Quartz for a couple days with zero success. On the third day, we stopped by and spoke to my Brazilian stone dealer whom I’ve worked with for eleven years now. I have purchased amethysts and citrines from him for many, many years. I didn’t need to purchase anything this year and was just about to say my good-byes when Jim spotted some Tourmalinated Quartz.
“Is this what you’re looking for?”
“No…that’s Tourmalinated Quartz. I’m looking for Rutilated Quartz.”
I turned to my stone dealer and asked if he had any and it turned out he had AMAZING material!!! I almost missed this opportunity. Thank you, Jim!!
I love my suppliers. Relationships are built over many years and I’m thankful for the partners with whom I work to make what I do possible. It’s so much fun to see my vendor friends at the trade shows every year. Some are local, some are from New York City and the rest are from around the globe. Each of us plays an integral role in the production of fine jewelry and none of us can achieve our successes alone.
I brought a curated selection of stones for my client to view. I’m a strong believer that we choose the stones which speak to us. I feel there is an emotional and esoteric response to choosing gemstones that even we are not aware of on a conscious level. I often times choose an array of stones for a client to view to allow them the opportunity to find the stone that speaks to them.
My client originally had the intention of selecting one stone for a statement ring. However after giving it some consideration, she chose three pieces to make into jewelry. One for a ring, and two for a pendant to be set in 14k yellow gold. I satin finished the gold to lend a warm, muted appearance which provides a contrast to the brightness of the Rutile needles and gives a modern look.
Rutilated Quartz can be found in Brazil and Madagascar. An amazing stone for metaphysical purposes as it has the combination of both the Rutile and clear crystal Quartz working together to accelerate and amplify your manifestations. It is known to assist the wearer to connect with higher frequencies of energy, offer protection against the negative energies of others, bring joy, a sense of lightness and harmony with Divine purpose.
There are so many amazing, unique and beautiful gemstones out there in the world. Fortunately, not all of them are expensive and rare which allows many an opportunity to enjoy them. Find a gemstone that speaks to you and make them into beautiful jewelry!
Add some sparkle to your life!
———XO Leslie