The materials I use
All the wire and metal beads used are either gold filled, or silver, as specified. The ear hooks, jump rings and chain are either 9 carat gold or silver. Gold filled wire contains 5% gold by weight and is constructed in two or three layers, bonded to jewellers brass core metal using heat and pressure. Because the gold layer bonded to the brass core is quite thick, this is usually a lifetime product, offering protection against tarnish and wear. It is thus a reasonably priced alternative to gold. It is important to distinguish this product from vermeil, or gold plate, where a very fine layer of gold is applied to the brass. This typically constitutes 0.05% of the total metal product and will not stand up to wear over time.
The semi precious gemstones used are all natural. Where possible, I will indicate the origin of the gemstones, although this is not always known by the sellers. Naturally mined gemstones pass through many hands from miner to seller and most are found in more than one location. For me, the location of origin is less important to the final jewellery product than the colour and lustre of the stones, but this information may be of interest to some customers.
The semi precious gemstones I use are a combination of hand faceted and rough. This is for aesthetic reasons rather than cost; in fact the difference is usually minimal.
All gemstones contain inclusions or flaws; the variation is merely one of degree and it is increasingly recognised that these add to, rather than detract from, their colour and beauty.
My gemstones originate from many parts of the world, but are mostly purchased in the UK and the USA.
Tourmaline features heavily in my work, due to the rich array of colours in which it is found which also explains why it is in high demand. I have a passion for Oregon sunstone, due to the pleochroism, or colour shift frequently exhibited, and changes in the depth of hue when viewed from different angles, and in different light. It also has great schiller, whereby the stone appears lit up from the inside. Oregon sunstone is not as well known as some other semi precious gems, though since the 1980’s it has grown in popularity and has been mined out in a number of locations.
Some of my pieces are one offs. I am constantly looking at gemstones which inspire my jewellery making and duplicates are not always available. An example of this is Spinel, which is much coveted for its colour and sparkle, but very rare.