Black Opal Dilemma

Two Claws Jewelry said:
this designer pearl I bought a few years back.....
Click to expand...
That mollusk was a talented designer.

Claudenancy (and Scott), late chiming in here, spectacular and unique setting for that opal. Was white gold ever considered (or too soft)?
 
Hi Steve--yes Scott and I did discuss different colors of gold as well as platinum. Also we did think through the possibility of a dish in a whiter metal contrasted with a yellow or rose gold surround. Ultimately we decided that the opal needed the warmth and color of the yellow gold. Because the design was getting so complex, and to matain flow in the setting we did not choose a contrasting metal dish even though it might possibly (or possibly not) have some advantages for showing the back of the opal. Our desire not to add complexity to an already complex design was also the reason that we did not add pearls. (Although I do still have a fantasy about a strand of pauas for the chain--that would be a bit beyond my budget at present!!!).

I know that Scott plans to add some of his thoughts a bit later--he is in the design process for several new pieces so he is burning the midnight oil so to speak!!

Yes--I would love to meet that mollusk too:)
 
Hi Steve~My apologies for this late reply...Claudenancy is correct, I have been busy with some new designs for some patient clients.

Thank you for your kind words regarding my work on this pendant...it was a pleasure to have had the chance to meet and work with my new friend here. Like she has so correctly stated....we 'talked 'round the block', so to speak, regarding the many design and material possibilities for making an appropriate setting for her opal. Metal color was discussed, and platinum or white gold was an option for the dish, but we came to the conclusion that with so much already 'going on' with the piece, that simplicity in at least keeping it one color was a good choice. With the heavy color saturation and body color of the opal however, I thought the darker tone of a rich 18K yellow would be more complimentary to the opal....even though a white dish would have certainly done a better job of reflecting the true colors of the stone....a compromise.

Now....for this pearl. I bought it because as a designer I found it very beautiful and had potential as a possible central piece of a future design.....I liked its particular baroque shape and other surface features, too. And it's pretty big....26x19x15mm and weighs 10 grams. As for all the other particulars I was hoping I might learn something about it here....I'm no expert on pearls. I know it is cultured, though...and I'm pretty sure it's freshwater....though I could certainly be wrong on that....but that's what I remember the dealer told me.

Thanks again for everyone's nice words...I'm honored.

~Scott

Oh hey! Guess what.....a first for me today! One of my pieces was chosen to be featured on SNAG's website's homepage for a month! I'm so excited!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/two_claws_jewelry/4947073521/
 
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I love opal beads.
I wish they would be more affordable...
image4.jpg

image7.jpg

image6.jpg


image5.jpg
 
Wow, those are gorgeous! And yes, Scott, I was talking about boulder opal beads. They might be in my safe deposit box, but when I get a chance, I'll post a photo. They are dark brown with cobalt and green flashes, graduated, and highly polished. ;)
 
please...please.....please, show the pictures of your boulder opal beads.
I see nice ones very rarely and never saw any for sale that I would want to buy.
 
Now, this thread is amazing! All this time, I thought the cup was going to be designed only to reflect light through the opal. It didn't occur to me that reflecting the reverse of the opal was the goal.

Thanks for the back story in photos, it makes almost the whole experience available for us (only missing the living of it, of course). Very impressive, and satisfying to peek into the creative process.
 
Well, there were better ones for sale, but I bought the ones I could afford. They are great, though. I'll be sure to post them as soon as I find them. ;)
 
Scott, congratulations on your well deserved recognition, and collaboration with Beth on the lovely pendant! So interesting to see the process and confirm all the thought that went into it.

Ivona, those are amazing opals, lovely designs, would love to see in person! I hope they are yours!
 
Pattye,
yes... they are mine... and you are welcomed to visit me any time. I would love to show them to you... or to anybody else who wants to see my opals :)
My love for pearls is not replaced by love for opals. I still try to collect pearls that I find beautiful and for me beautiful does not necessarily mean expensive.
I find that different pearls appeal to different people. It's so individual what one find beautiful. Of course, top of of the line, amazing, gem pearls appeal to more people ;)...
Opal is the same. Stone that I might find absolutely amazing might not have any appeal to another person.
Pearls I buy. Opals I cut myself ( not roundels or round beads - those I buy).
It's totally different experience when you make your own gem...
 
Thank you Caitlin.
I love seeing other people creations. It give me inspiration.. so I post sometimes some of mine for those who are like me, those who enjoy discovering what others are creating or collecting.
I do not post often, but every day I check what others are writing. I learn every day from all of you. It's an amazing forum with bunch of interesting people posting and sharing their knowledge.
Thank you to all of you for being here.....
 
Hi Ivona and Caitlin: I certainly agree. Ivona, you have made inspiring contributions--thanks so much for including your opals in this thread. I am in awe of your ability to cut opals--have you ever made opal beads?

I certainly would enjoy your suggestions and input when I am ready to create a strand (or maybe more than one--since the pendant is an enhancer) for this pendant.

Thanks again to both of you and to the other commentators here--you all played a part in inspiring my vision. I was fortunate to find a master craftsman and artist who was able to make the vision reality--but also go so far beyond what I imagined.
 
Hi PG friends: I have a question. I would so appreciate any suggestions or comments here. Scott needs to select a single photograph of the pendant for a preliminary jury. He will be able to attach a written description. The essential design elements and essence of this pendant are very difficult to convey in a single photograph. Of the photographs in the link above (copied here), which would you choose? If another photograph is to be made, what details, views, lighting effects, etc. need improvement? Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/two_claws_jewelry/sets/72157624689913029/

Thanks so much for all of your help. Beth
 
Hi Beth,
#3 shows both the beauty of the pendant and the artists hand. I like that poetry.
Marianne
 
Hi Marianne and Blaire: Those are two of my favorites too. Scott is trying to reshoot those--showing the front vertical view in sunlight--without the fingers. (No he will not be without his fingers:eek:--only the photo!!;)

THanks so much--Beth
 
Well, I like those, but also #5. However, I feel it might "read" better if angled 45 degrees from center, upper left to lower right. I like the one with the tools, but some might consider them distracting from the pendant. Wishing you the best, Scott!
 
claudenancy said:
Hi Marianne and Blaire: Those are two of my favorites too. Scott is trying to reshoot those--showing the front vertical view in sunlight--without the fingers. (No he will not be without his fingers:eek:--only the photo!!;)

THanks so much--Beth
Click to expand...

That is awesome! ;)
 
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