Roger has been busy faceting new gems for the Spring! When a gemstone is being faceted it is held by a metal stick called a dop, the cocoon that carries a gem through its transformational process. In rudimentary faceting, gems are held by the fingers, but precise work requires something that can withstand heat and pressure. The gem is connected to the dop with wax or glue and then faceting can begin. Though small, dops are essential in the faceting process! Here’s a glimpse of his latest creations “off the dop!”
AFRICAN GEMS
A great portion of Roger’s new work is from East Africa. His 32nd trip to Tanzania in November included visiting Iolite mines in Babati and Zircon mines in Singida. If you didn’t catch the stories, read about our experience as the first Westerners in Babati and the “Three Minutes to Zircon” mine.
SRI LANKAN GEMS
Right after Christmas we left for Sri Lanka and spent New Year’s reveling in warm weather, sunshine, delicious seafood, and gems! Sri Lanka only allows the export of faceted gems so Roger uses the natively faceted piece as a “pre-form” to facet to his standards. Read about our Reflections from Sri Lanka and the special people we met!
MATCHED PAIRS
We all love matched pairs! Earrings. Side stones. Pendant and ring. Mother and daughter gems. We love the possibilities!
