The same stones. A different conversation with the material.

Raw vs. Shaped

Raw stones show the mineral's natural crystal structure, growth patterns, and surface texture. They are geological objects first and jewelry second. Shaped stones show the mineral's color, translucency, and internal pattern most clearly. A raw labradorite shows the crystal's natural form. A polished labradorite cabochon shows the labradorescence, the shifting blue-green flash, at its most vivid. Neither is more authentic than the other. They are different ways of knowing the same material, and different people are drawn to different approaches.

Cabochons

A cabochon is a stone that has been shaped with a domed top and a flat bottom, polished but not faceted. It is the oldest form of gem cutting, predating faceting by thousands of years. Cabochons are used for stones that display optical phenomena best in a smooth dome: labradorescence in labradorite, adularescence in moonstone, chatoyancy in tiger's eye and cat's eye stones. They are also used for opaque stones where color and pattern matter more than brilliance. Most of the shaped stones in this collection are cabochons.

Faceted Stones

Faceted stones have flat, angled faces cut into the surface to maximize the reflection and refraction of light. Faceting is most effective in transparent stones where light can pass through and bounce between faces. Where raw stones have texture and geological character, faceted stones have brilliance and precision. A small number of pieces in this collection use faceted stones where the stone's transparency and color depth make faceting the right choice.

Electroformed Copper Settings

Every setting in this collection is electroformed: copper deposited through an electrical current directly onto the stone, building up a solid bezel and bail in a single continuous piece. The organic, granular texture of electroformed copper against the smooth surface of a polished stone creates a deliberate contrast: the refined and the raw in the same piece. That tension is part of what makes these pieces work.

Care

Remove before water, swimming, and lotions. Store dry and separate from other jewelry to prevent scratching polished surfaces. Copper develops a natural patina over time. Stone-specific care notes are included in each individual listing.