Written in Stone

When you have a name like Opal Stone, you might assume that jewelry is your destiny.

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Written in Stone #1
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When you have a name like Opal Stone, you might assume that jewelry is your destiny. But despite her evocative name, when Stone first entered Parsons, she was a fashion designer instead. Five years ago, she switched to jewelry, making beaded pieces by hand.
Today the Opal Stone fine jewelry collection is more like sculpture than fashion. Stone is inspired by Frank Gehry and other architects, creating jewelry that is very dimensional and meticulously handcrafted.
"It's very organic," Stone says of her collection. "The big theme overall is the color of the gold and the color of the stones."
Pieces in the 18k gold collection are substantial and heavy. A gold bangle weighs 40 grams. Finishes are done by hand. A cuff inspired by Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles has a needle finish done by hand in six different directions. All the pieces have intricately carved backs and galleries.
Stone uses fine unusual gemstones in many pieces. A ring from her "Zebra" collection contrasts pastel sapphires with antique coral from the 1930s. Chains are handmade with her initials worked into each link.
"This is jewelry that's high fashion," Stone says. "It's also fine jewelry but it's not the fine jewelry you put away, it's the fine jewelry you wear every day." Pieces are made to mix and layer.
Comfort is always a priority, Stone says. She wears each design before finalizing its shape. "If I can't sleep in it, it's not ready. It's not comfortable enough." See Opal Stone and her work in a video on www.modernjeweler.com/videonetwork.
author: Cheryl Kremkow




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