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May 2023 Emerald Birthstone, Estate sale finds
In the IRL world, I love to go hunting for treasure. There's something captivating about the thrill of discovering hidden gems, both metaphorically and literally. On one particular day, I embarked on an estate sale adventure, not expecting to find any goodies, especially not jewelry. Little did I know that fate had something extraordinary in store for me. This is the story of how I stumbled upon a remarkable emerald pendant, and how it sparked a new chapter in my journey.
As the day progressed, the estate sales seemed to blend together, and I couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. The last sale on our list appeared especially lackluster, with the once opulent home now stripped of its treasures. Disheartened, I prepared to leave, but before making my exit, something caught my eye. There, at the checkout booth, sat a small display of jewelry, marked down by 20%. Intrigued, I approached the booth, and amidst the ordinary trinkets, one vibrant green stone stood out from the rest. It was nestled within a delicate gold pendant, casting an enchanting glow.
Compelled by curiosity, I asked the price, unsure of what I was about to uncover. The seller, seemingly unaware of the true value, quoted a modest figure. I hesitated, torn between my intuition and the uncertainty of its authenticity. But the allure of this captivating gemstone was irresistible, and after a moment of contemplation, I decided to take the leap. With the pendant now in my possession, my mind raced with questions. Was it genuine? Or was it just a well-crafted imitation?
Overflowing with excitement, I couldn't wait to have the emerald authenticated. I hurriedly sought the expertise of a local jeweler, eager to confirm my suspicions. As the jeweler carefully examined the stone, anticipation consumed me. Time seemed to stretch until, finally, the verdict arrived. It was a genuine emerald, a precious gem with a history as rich as its vibrant hue. In that moment, a rush of emotions flooded over me — joy, disbelief, and a renewed sense of adventure. My chance encounter at the estate sale had led me to uncover an emerald, a birthstone as captivating as the stories it weaves.
This encounter motivated me to reconnect with my jewelry making days and was partially responsible for leading me on this new journey. Is your birthday in May? If so, you have a fascinating, and magical birthstone to admire and seek out.
June 2023 Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places: The Prickly Pear Journey
In the realm of creativity, inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places. As an artist, I have always been captivated by the beauty of the natural world, and it is there that I often discover the seeds of inspiration for my creations. Join me on a journey where the humble prickly pear plant, native to the Florida Gulf Coast, took root in my imagination, leading to the creation of a unique pair of earrings and igniting the spark for my upcoming line of jewelry inspired by the flora and fauna of this enchanting region.
Discovering the Unexpected
Amidst the vibrant tapestry of nature's wonders, I stumbled upon the prickly pear, a thorny, ornery plant that was an important part of my childhood. The juicy, red fruit was a staple of my summers in South Florida- we often had several in our refrigerator from the local markets. From an artistic and scientific perspective, its resilience and subtle elegance struck a chord within me. Intrigued by its intricate forms, delicate blossoms, and delicious fruit, I delved deeper into its story, seeking to capture its essence in a wearable piece of art.
About the images:
I found these prickly pear cacti growing wild about half a mile from my house on June 20th. You can see these are about to bloom. I'm looking forward to the tasty fruit in the coming month!
video-output-67FAC0E2-E932-487A-BB35-A71DFC9706A9.MOVThe Creative Process
As I immersed myself in the world of prickly pear plants, I marveled at the intricate patterns of their spiky pads and the delicate beauty of their blooms and fruit. Visits to google, my surroundings, and drawing from this newfound fascination, I began sketching designs that would encapsulate the spirit of these remarkable plants. It was a meticulous process, translating the organic curves and textures into silver, creating a wearable homage to the beauty that thrives in our very own backyard.
Nurturing the Idea
Through countless hours of craftsmanship and unwavering dedication, the prickly pear earrings began to take shape. Carefully carved dimples and selected pink sapphire gemstone mirrored the plant's intricate details, capturing its essence in every angle. The fruit of the cactus is a vibrant pink color. Matching the shape and scale proved to be challenging. The journey from inspiration to creation was a labor of love, filled with moments of doubt and exhilaration, but always guided by the desire to pay homage to the natural wonders of the Florida Gulf Coast.
On my first instance of creating the pieces, I created them to large which would have left them uncomfortable to wear. I also struggled with the idea on whether to represent the fruit, or the flowers. I ultimately decided to showcase the fruit- at least for the first release of these- but that doesn't preclude me from making some flowers in the future!
About the video:
Posted is a very quick look into a few of the steps to make these earrings including the carving of wax, casting, mold making, and cleaning up.
IMG_3001.movThe Promise of a New Collection
With the completion of the prickly pear earrings, a new chapter unfolds in my creative journey. Inspired by the flora and fauna that grace our region, I am excited to embark on a collection that celebrates the beauty and biodiversity of the Gulf Coast. From the little sea creatures to the vibrant wildflowers, each piece will tell a story, weaving together nature's tales into wearable art.
Closing Thoughts
In the vast tapestry of the world around us, inspiration awaits in the most unexpected corners. The prickly pear journey has taught me to open my eyes and embrace the beauty that thrives in my own backyard. As I continue to find inspiration in the flora and fauna of the Florida Gulf Coast, I invite you to join me on this creative expedition, where nature's wonders and the art of jewelry merge to create something truly extraordinary.
About the video:
The video shows the completed earrings in their full glory. You can see the high mirror polish and the way they represent their natural counterpart. They are hollow which makes them lightweight, but sturdy with a flat, high shine backing.