Argentium Silver, Sterling Silver, Druzy
Druzy stones like the one I used in the piece above are the result of a stone cooling more quickly on the outside than the inside when it is formed from it’s near molten state. Nearly every stone that exists has the potential to have a small section of “druse”, or “druzy” in it’s matrix. I have seen even precious gemstones such as emerald and black diamonds that have druse areas in their matrices. Many druzy stones are naturally colored due to the inherent qualities of the stone, like the black druzy pendant pictured below:
Forged Fine Silver Filigree around Black Druzy.
Occasionally, however, the stone in question, while having excellent druzy crystal structure, lacks the beautiful colors that appeal to many people. In this case, a stone artisan will take the cabochon and a piece of mineral or metal such as silica, titanium, gold, or platinum and vaporize the mineral/metal which will then permanently deposit itself onto the surface of the stone.
Sterling Silica Druzy Pendant
When using silica, the artist is depositing a stunning iridescent layer to the stone, like this stone above, but when using a metal like titanium, which is shown in the stone below, the stone artist can control the resulting coloration by the type and amperage of electrical current he uses to vaporize the metal. Some of the variations possible in titanium include blue, purple, gold, green, and every combination in between.
Sterling Silver, Titanium Druzy, Patina
Of course, precious metal coatings like this one in 14k Rose gold are as incredibly stunning as they are rare:
Rose Gold Druzy Filigree set in 14 Karat with a white Sapphire accent.
The vapor-deposited coatings of both minerals and metals are extremely durable, and will not chip or flake in any way. The only way to mar the coating is to abrade the surface crystals with directional force, such as knocking a ring against a table, or by cleaning the surface with a rough substance, like sandpaper or baking soda.
I really love all things druzy, and even prefer it to many other cabochons and gemstones in my work. Every piece is hand cut, and custom colored, which I find only appropriate to showcase in unique, handmade, custom created pieces like mine.
I hope you enjoy them as well!
Please send me info
Hi, I’m not sure what kind of info you’d like. Can you be more specific?