Materials
Showcasing Native Lake Superior stones by bezel setting them, is my favorite way to make jewelry. That means I have drawers of Lake Superior Agate, Mohawkite, Greenstone cabouchons cut by my two favorite crabbers, Bob Wright of Superior, WI and Gary Wilson of Tuscon, AZ, as well as containers of stones, such as basalt, and beach glass naturally worked by wind and waves. Using these stones and others from around the world, I manipulate sterling silver, gold, white gold and copper sheet metal to help me tell stories that don't need words and that reflect my love and connection to water, waves and wind.
Sterling silver, copper wire and sheet are from 100% reclaimed metal so none is from mined sources.
Process
If you are interested working with me on a custom piece please contact me and we can set-up a time to discuss your one-of-a-kind, custom project.
Feel free to bring stones, metal, old jewelry, simple or elaborate drawings and your ideas. Also, think about your metal and stone preferences, budget, and size of piece. At this time I work with sterling silver, yellow gold and copper. Please keep in mind removal of stones from their current bezels or prong settings could cause damage to stones or even breakage.
Leland Blue Slag
This unique “gem” is a byproduct of the short-lived days of smelting iron ore in Northwest Lower Michigan(c.1875-1900) . The ore from the Upper Peninsula’s Mesabi iron range arrived in Leelanau Co. by schooner. A charcoal made from beech and maple hardwoods plus a local limestone flux were used to refine the ore; the slag byproduct was considered waste and dumped into Lake Michigan. This material ranges in color from black to green, to blue and purple, with the various shades of water-like blues being the most prized and rare. Under 2% of the slag created was blue, depending on environmental factors.
Greenstone
The “official state gem” of Michigan. It is a variety of the mineral pumpellyite with a turtleback pattern and occurs as amygdaloid structures and fracture fillings in basalt. When water and wave action wear away the basalt, greenstone beach pebbles and granules remain in loose sediments. Although it is a rare mineral, it is found in the Keweenaw Peninsula of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Isle Royal in the northern part of Lake Superior. Properties: Enhances harmony and cooperation in relationships as well as personal healing.
Thomsonite
A rare gemstone found on the north shore of Lake Superior. It is a zeolite that forms eye shaped patters due to it’s radiating formation and is composed of hydrous silicate with aluminum, sodium and calcium. It is commonly found as pink and white pebbles seldom larger than an inch in diameter in a basalt matrix. Less common are the greens and sometimes purple or blues. Properties: Aids clarity of thought.
Mohawkite
Named after the original locality, the Mohawk Mine, Mohawkite is extremely rare and occurs only in the Mohawk-Ahmeek area of Keweenaw County, Michigan. With a harness between 3 & 3.5, Mohawkite is mainly a copper-arsenic compound containing cobalt, silver, nickel and iron. Properties: The combined emergies of the minerals which compose Mohawkite bring stability, balance and openness to ones being.
Lake Superior Agate
Agates are a gemstone with a hardness of 7; harder than Baslt or Rhyolite. Beautiful banding, varied patterns, and eye-catching colors unique to each agate are created by quartz with small amounts of different elements. Red bands are the result of the rusting of iron within the agate when exposed to oxygen. These gemstones can be found on many Lake Superior beaches throughout the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Properties: Good for security, strength, to raise energy and to enhance personal courage and calming.
What My Clients Say
Timeframe
Custom orders have at least a 3 month turnaround after 50% non-refundable deposit is received. Rush orders are by approval only. If you are interested in a custom design please contact me to make an appointment, as this is the best way to insure you have uninterrupted time to talk about your piece.
Shipping
Care & Keeping
All jewelry will tarnish after being exposed to air for a time. We suggest using jewelry polishing cloths to keep your items like new. Do not use liquid cleaners as doing so will remove the oxidization and voids the 14 day guarantee.
