TRANSCRIPT

"I enjoy traveling to Tucson, AZ for many reasons.  I appreciate the usually mild and sunny weather in the middle of our dreary winter.  I thrive at the annual Tucson Gem Fair.  I discover beautiful and unique gemstones, find new sources and catch up with old friends.  Most importantly, I find great inspiration!

A number of years ago I stopped by the booth of one of my favorite vendors.  They are from Italy and deal in the most beautiful and equitably sourced coral.  Immediately my eyes went to a case where I spied a beautiful piece of white coral.  I imagined this piece to be a pair of legs.  Within minutes, I had a design in mind.  I envisioned a torso attached to this piece of white coral, now transformed into a pair of legs.  I saw myself carving the torso from hard green wax.  Without hesitation, I purchased this piece of white coral.
It took several months to complete the drawings and carve the wax. I cast the wax in 22k gold (which is now more than twice the price) and figure out how to attach the gold torso to the coral legs.  While looking at the finished piece, I decided to place a small diamond in the belly button to add a little sparkle!

This experience was definitely unique and very special.  I have not duplicated such an immediate reaction to a material or gemstone.  The finished piece realized my initial vision!"