Caged Pearl Pendant
This project was a custom design from one of the designer jewelry galleries that I work with. Their client had an extraordinarily beautiful practically flawless pearl that had been a gift from the husband to his wife, and she didn't want to drill a hole in it to make it into a pendant, so I offered that we could design a "cage" setting that would allow the pearl to be secured safely but also allow the pearl to be removed without destroying the pendant or damaging the pearl. The bottom of the setting is hinged, and one section that faces the back of the pendant swings away to allow the pearl clearance to be inserted or removed. When the pearl is in place and the back section is closed, the center section of the bale fits between the two corresponding sides. There is a rotating collar of 22K gold that has a slot in it to allow the center section to pass through, and when the top is aligned the collar rotates and keeps the setting closed. When the chain is passed through the top of the bale it serves as a safety device, preventing the center section from opening up. The design was of my own imagination, and the fine jadeite cabs at the top and bottom of the pendant were inspired by the wife's name. The piece was built in palladium and 22K yellow gold. The price does not include the cost of the pearl. This design is not for sale, as it was a commission from my client. All items that are designed in collaboration with my clients are considered "work for hire" and the copyright for the design are the property of the client. Contracts stipulating ownership of copyright are signed before work commences, so as to avoid any confusion later.
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My experience of what it is that I love about making jewelry has shifted over the years. When I first began to create simple hand-fabricated rings I was fascinated by the process - cutting, filing, soldering and setting and bringing the piece to finish with a polish; the steps involved in taking a vision in my mind and making it real were all-consuming.
As I went deeper into the various techniques and began to explore all that was possible my focus shifted, and I began to explore the relationship between forms and colors, textures and finishes; and my designs began to be influenced by a mix of historical styles and modern influences - an amalgam of the past and future.
I spent the last decade expanding my skills to include graphic design and 2D work with photography and drawing, and with the advent of 3D programs and the ability to output my visions via RP printing and CNC machining I am working on creating a new vocabulary of jewelry design, which this space will help document.
I have been a custom jeweler for over 35 years, and am experienced in creating fine jewelry in gold, platinum and silver. I have the ability to listen to my clients and give them exactly what it is that they had in their minds eye when they first thought of it.
All of my work is of my own hand, I carve the waxes or design in CAD, fabricate elements, cast and finish and set the stones. I am also an accomplished lapidary and cut stone to fit my designs.
I create my own designs as well, and can take any idea and finish it out with all of the little details that make it a masterpiece.
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