N°11 Christmas 2024 Special Set

This set pays homage to the four Butcher Birds (3 generations) that visit my studio almost every day (see images below). They are stunning looking birds, with a some of the most stunning bird song and a HUGE personality - and hopefully that translates into this set.

In these dichromatic pieces (with tiny gold accents),  the focus falls onto the textures, shapes patterns, and composition of the gemstones, which brings out a different kind of enjoyment. I was aiming for a contemporary yet artisanal feel by combining a range of materials like polished and matte stones, metals, and pearls.

The focal pendant of the necklace is a circular gold ring with a rough black Lava stone inset with a small, irregular clear crystal, giving it a raw, organic aesthetic.

 
The earrings echo this style, incorporating similar black beads, lava stones, gold elements, and pearl accents, harmonising with the necklace's colour and material palette.

It's an eclectic mix of stones and shapes - but one piece needs special mention - a Dentalium snail (long white structure) as it used to be worn in the ceremonial jewellery of Sioux and Lakota Indians.I brought these back from the US in 2004, when I was still a working scientist and gave a talk at a conference.

The necklace features a mix of black beads, rough-textured lava stones, polished pearls, and gold accents.