Over the past year, I have been hoarding a small selection of Montana agates from a wonderful lapidary artist based in Montana, Sal Digs. A quick aside - what is a lapidary artist? I was unfamiliar with this term before starting my metalsmithing journey. A lapidary artist is the person who cuts and polishes the stones that are used in jewelry.
I am a self-admitted blue and green jasper stone lover, and often gravitate towards tones that could be found deep in the forests or in the sparkling blue waters of lakes, oceans, and glaciers. However, when Sally posted one of her very first cabochon sales, I knew I had to make some of them mine. When they arrived, I was still very early in my metalsmithing journey but knew these stones were something special. I immediately set to work on setting two of the three cabochons that I bought and while I did finish one of the settings, I knew it wasn’t up to par with the quality standards it should have.
That necklace sat there in my drawer for close to a year, until a few more of Sal’s stones caught my eye. I added to my collection and knew that I had to make a collection entirely made of these special Montana agates. These stones are so special because the light shines through them, they’re translucent. Holding them up to the sun allows the gorgeous colors and patterns to shine through. Many of the pieces in this collection will have cut-out backs, allowing the stone to breathe and the light to course through it. It can also be a really neat hidden detail, as when you’re wearing the piece it isn’t as obvious but when you remove it and hold it to the light it adds this fun detail. However I also love when the backs aren’t cut out, because Montana agates are glowy and special when set with silver behind them.
This collection will have 3 necklaces, 3 pairs of earrings, and 3 rings! Coming 2/22.