They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, the pictures are of watercolor scenes, other times, they are portraits. I was working in my studio and realized that I have some gemstones that seem to do the same thing, remind me of someone or someplace. Let me introduce you to some of my favorites.
There are two types of stones, really, that express a picture, and I can’t decide which version I like best. There’s the cameo, and then the picture gemstones.
First, the cameo. When you think of cameo, raised portrait in profile on a contrasting colored (usually black) probably comes to mind. I have in my stash several cameos that fit that description.
Agate Cameo. This one is wrapped in Sterling Silver
Cameos in the traditional sense
But I also have some cameos that have less profile, but still have the look of cameo.
Yes, even animals can be cameos. I just checked my stash and discovered that in addition to horses and dog, I also have cat and bird cameos. How does it get better than that?
Faces in jewelry can come in more forms than just cameos. I made this piece by creating a mold from a carved piece, and then using bronze clay to create the relief look I was going for.
This antiqued silver Tree of Life necklace was made by carving my design into a linoleum block, then pressing the fine silver clay into the mold.
The cameos and carvings are realistic looking, and I love the feelings they evoke.
But there are also picture gemstones that evoke memories or imaginations of places far away. For instance, this Picture Jasper reminds me of the desert. I love the way the browns, blacks, and beiges interact to create a landscape.
Picture Jasper…see the desert?
Jasper is a stone that loves to create a landscape-type effect. Here are a few more.
Bumblebee Jasper. I see a sunrise through mist
Russian Jasper. Looks to me like a Martian landscape
Then there’s the Rhyolite.
Sonoran Rhyolite…Snow at dusk
Apache Rhyolite. A coral reef with a sunset-colored ocean.
Much like a Rorschach ink blot, these picture gemstones leave to your imagination where you want them to take you. Where do you want to go? Just pick your stone, and you’re on your way!
Until next month,
