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A couple of necklaces. The image a bit lackluster, i admit. Will post better shots in the next entry.
One necklace in white agate with an off-center hammered gold, rubies and diamond pendant. And another with kunzite rough and faceted pink amethyst in rose gold; with black coral chain. The latter being part of an upcoming exhibit on July 31. Details to follow.
I'm pretty sure many are familiar with jade. The gem of choice by Asians for luck. Carve even more auspicious characters and figures on them and it becomes even more fortuitous to possess. It is generally said to protect the wearer from harm.
Here are some things you probably know (or don't, but still interested to find out) about jade. There are two types of stones we call jade; Nephrite and Jadeite. Most common in the market are Nephrite. At best translucent in thinner pieces but mostly opaque. Jadeite, on the other hand, is much more rare. It can be cut into cabochons or beads and even whole carvings and still remain translucent. Most prized samples with color of a vivid apple to emerald green are called "Imperial Jade" and are priceless. A whole strand of evenly matched beads are even more so. It's also interesting to note that jadeite comes in several other fabulous colors (namely lavender, black, white & yellow) besides green.
However, the problem with jade is that it is too much associated with antiquity. But here are attempts at giving it a bit of an updated twist.
L-R: Bi-color jadeite ring in hammered yellow gold. Black jadeite ring in yellow gold with diamond eternity micro-pave. Green jadeite ring in yellow gold with diamond eternity micro-pave.
Pendant of antique nephrite jade dragon carving with multi-colored sapphires and seed pearl in yellow gold. Strung on black coral beads. I got this carving from an old man while walking along some alleys in Hong Kong. The carving was just too interesting to let go.
I started experimenting in matte finishes on metal surfaces a few years ago and found that this type of treatment really made yellow gold look organic. Like glowing pebbles. Strung along a south sea pearl strand with excellent luster, the luminous whites and randomly placed rough yellows make for a great low-key but elegant combination. With the interesting lock meant to be worn like an off-center pendant.
It's February again. The so called season of love. To which i never understood why the birthstone originally assigned for February is the amethyst. Amethysts were believed to protect its wearer against seduction and drunkenness. Which is totally the antithesis to the "wining and dining", and so on and so forth activities during the love month.... don't you think? I find nothing wrong with the stone per se; in fact i love purple. But for February I propose a more fitting example of passion through Fire Opals. Whereas the most recognizable white and black opals are found in Australia, it is in Mexico where fire opals' only significant deposits in the world lie. They were the preferred symbols of fervent love by the Indians, Persians and Central Americans long before diamonds became popular. Obviously due to its fiery warm glow! Below is a Mexican Fire Opal pendant with orange sapphires and diamonds in yellow gold.
They're really just fascinating to look at. And I didn't really need to design anything so elaborate for it as the gems stand out on their own.
So...... here's a pretty simple design using Kunzites. Diamonds encircling the relatively large, excellent samples of the pastel hued stones. And the pear shape drops being detachable so you can just wear the smaller pink studs on top if you wanted to. pretty versatile. From the grocery to a gown...
In the same picture is a necklace made of aquamarine rough; with an off-center pendant of hammered gold and diamonds. I didn't exactly create these two pieces together but they seem to go along fabulously. (I'm really not into matching pieces.)
So what exactly is "aquamarine rough"? The word "rough" is a general term used in the gem business as an uncut/unpolished specimen. Basically how you'd find the gems in the mines or in natural form. Cleaned of course. Precious stones are often found in these "rocky" looking forms and then faceted and polished into the gleaming gems that most are familiar with. However, there's just this certain ineffable appeal to rough gems.
What exactly is "Aum" and why did i choose the word "Aum" for my jewelry?
Initially I wanted a simple, one syllable word. Unique and easy to remember. and related to both jewelry and the complete woman.
"Aum" is derived from the latin/scientific word for gold, which is "aurum". "Au" in the table of elements.
"Aum" is also the one word mantra, chanted to destroy negative elements of the mind, body and soul. Therefore achieving balance. And this relates to the woman, who despite the many different roles she plays in her life, still maintains to be successful.
There's a certain warmth you feel when you pronounce the word "aum". Very organic and natural. And I have noticed my designs, at least for the moment, have been evolving this way. (Evolving BUT not being trapped in the design paradigm, thank god.)
Below is a leaf inspired bangle with a soft organic finish. I used diamonds as sort of a "stem". I really like this piece and was one of the first items i have sold at Aum in TriNoma. The same series leaf earrings (which have also been sold) can be seen in the background.
A stark contrast to what I started out designing. Masculine, architectural pieces. As seen below.
But be it organic, modern, architectural, warm, cool, etc... I still find that i always like things clean. And I guess I still have a certain look, as I'm told.
Anyway, let this first post be a preview of the new pieces, old pieces, and maybe random posts on gemological and jewelry matters. if you want anything in particular discussed, send me a message and let's see what we can do.
Aum
