There are always flowers for those who want to see them.
Henri Matisse
So…this is May 2023. The flowers bloom before me in colorful splendor. They burst forth in a 1000 different colors that each inspire my artistry. I wanted to take some time to share what has been inspiring me lately. Flowers are one of my favorite inspirations. I think you can see why.
The art of pearl stringing is very tedious to say the least. However, it remains one of my favorite artistic mediums. I enjoy the process of sourcing my materials very much. From gem and jewelry tradeshows, to online vendors and local jewelry supply stores, I do my best to source and acquire pearls and gemstone beads that match in color, shape, and size.
The necklace above is a 7ft long, individual pearl strand that I’ve recently completed. The necklace contains over 200 cream to pure white pearls of various shapes and sizes. Each pearl is hand strung and knotted on 60mm thick silk thread. I use a simple pearl knotting tool to make and secure the knot between each pearl. This ensures the pearls do not touch each other, which causes damage to the pearl surfaces.
Green is the color of May, is it not? The beautiful Emerald stone is said to be associated with the month, however I have a few other favorite green stones. The necklace above is a composite of all of my favorite green stones. The necklace graduates in size and gradients in color from light to dark. The lighter color stone is Fluorite and they graduate in size from small to medium size beads. The next is the Aventurine which is a darker shade, and graduates in size as well from a medium size bead to a larger size. The tube-shaped bead is a soft green Jade, which has been carved with a lovely swirling cloud motif. Lastly, I added an oval, faceted dark green Emerald to the outside of the carved Jade stone. I enjoy the various shades of green displayed in this one piece. As you can see, it is very versatile as it can wrap around the wrist to create a statement bracelet.
Cycling outdoors is another favorite activity, and being outside is very inspiring to me and my work. There is a local park that has a beautiful lake where I sit and read for hours. I enjoy sitting on the bench and watch the sun hit the rippling waves and glitter like natural diamonds. I try not to wear them while cycling, however some days I layer on my samples and enjoy impromptu photoshoots on my own. There are three necklaces in each photo above.
The first photo contains a smaller collet necklace of round, white pearls, followed by a longer necklace of multi-color, and larger oblong shaped pearls. Lastly, I completed the look with the 7ft individual strand.
The second photo contains a round multi-color pearl, single strand necklace with an oblong white pearl in the center. That necklace is followed by the two others I mentioned above, and linked together with a lever-back, single pearl pendant. These necklaces are my current pride and joy. They took months to complete as I would continuously restring them if the length was off by even a few inches. They remain samples, and are my design signature no doubt, and will remain so as I continue to grow my brand GoldField.
Lastly, while reading “The National Gem Collection” by Jeffrey E. Post, I stopped on the Feldspar gems page. I had been reading the book for several days and studying each section on Diamonds, Corundum (Sapphire & Ruby), Pearls, Quartz, etc. I wanted to reset a Sunstone pendant that I had in my collection, and in that moment stopped reading and created the above necklace. The piece is handcrafted using round and oval paper clip style links, and is completed with a magnetic barrel clasp. As you can see, the Sunstone pendant is slight oval in shape and faceted on both sides of it’s surface. The color is a soft pinkish orange, and simply sparkles in direct sunlight.
So here is where I end this post. The photo above is that of my sample and tool board. It hangs on the wall next to my desk, and when I look up at it continuously reminds me to continue designing. It can be very challenging for a singular artist these days. There are always those seeking to criticize and judge one and one’s work, however one must persist. Inner determination to see one’s goals realized is a true super power.
I will continue to design, be inspired and try my best to inspire others.
Thank you for reading.
J.F
The Black Nouveau 