New Genuine Jet Lapidary Work, Beads & Cabs

Howdy all and Happy New Year! One of my resolutions is to be more engaged with the beading, jewelry, and lapidary forums that I'm involved in! For 2012 I'm working on being back in black, and that means doing more and more work in genuine jet. I'm the January speaker for the Bead Society of San Diego County and will be giving my lecture on the History of Jet and Jet Mourning Jewelry at the Mingei International Museum, so I'm trying to get as much new work in jet done as possible!

I lost my lease at the studio I'd been in for 3 years and had to move out the end of November. I spent much of December getting everything set up and organized in my new space (which is actually a much better space!) and am now finally getting back to work. So glad the holidays are over!

Here's a group shot of my newest work in jet. This is all made with jet from Tennessee and I really like to use the "natural" surface of the rough when possible. Jet is a form of gem grade lignite coal and most people have never even touched real coal (let alone gem grade coal!). It's very lightweight, like amber, and it's only a little bit harder than amber, but substantially tougher. Metaphysically, jet is said to help with depression, relieve grief, help one to accept things just they way they are, and support financial stability! Most jet is fossilized Monkey Puzzle tree and is around 60 MILLION years old! A true fossil fuel jewel!

and here is the polished side of the beads...

and here's some close ups...

and I think this cab will be fun for a jeweler or beader to do some creative work with...

I'll share some pics of the "all smooth and polished" pieces I'm doing with jet from Russia later. FYI, I'm also having a New Year's 20% off sale with free shipping in my DVHdesigns eBay store!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Regards,

David