It has been a busy spring and summer and I haven’t seemed to make the time to devote to a blog post or two – even though, in my travels and work, I’ve come across an interesting thing or two.
One of the most beautiful and unusual works of art I came across are boulder opals that have painted designs using the traditional Japanese art of Maki-e enhancing the natural color patterns of the gem. Called “Ran” (from orchid – meaning beautiful thing) Opals they definitely live up to the name.
Maki-e uses powdered pure gold, platinum (as well as other metals) and shells along with urushi, which is a natural lacquer made from the sap of the urushi tree. The design is applied by hand using special brushes along with a lot of skill. The results are not only durable but stunningly beautiful –so much so that it is a design challenge (and one I thoroughly enjoyed) to create a piece that enhances rather than detracts from the opal.
Until next time – that is how I see the world of jewelry from Rochester, NY
David West Nytch CGA www.westandcompany.com
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