Wow, what a trip! Every year in February, Tucson becomes the Mecca for jewelry designers everywhere. The entire town turns into gem show city. With over 30 shows to take in I had my work cut out for me. I’ve been attending the shows in Tucson since 2000 and every year I discover a new find. Something that inspires me to create that piece that will define the next year’s collection.
This year I found something so exciting and unusual. Like many of the items I use it is limited in quantity which makes it even that more special and unique. I have found ancient Roman glass made into amazing stones and beads. These pieces are made from ancient vessels, hand cut and formed into beads and stones for setting. Many of the stones I picked have opals on them. Opals are formed when a rock or glass in this case is left in a sandy area with lots of flowing water. Some of the beads have an entire sheen of opal on them.
The colors are amazing. Being inspired by the ocean and living on Cape Cod I knew these would evoke a sense of the sea when paired with sterling silver and gold accents. I can’t wait to start playing with my new finds. Hope you love them as much as me!
