Bracelet in 14K White Gold and Tourmaline
by Sam Patania on November 12, 2008
Bracelet by Sam Patania
My father is the master of clean work. His modernist designs leave no where to hide defects. His surfaces are mirror perfect, he spends hours making sure of it.
My dad taught me patience for this craft. I don’t believe that my work is as technically perfect as my father’s but sometimes I get close.
This bracelet is a variation of a modernist design of my father’s made mine by my choice of stones and metal. My choice of stone placement was also more “Sam” than “Frank”. I put if off to the side because putting it in the center would be too easy. To my mind putting the stone on the side made this piece more interesting.
The tourmaline was cut by Jeff Graham of
www.faceters.com. Working with Jeff’s stones is such a joy for me. Jeff is a good friend who has taught me all I know about the real world of faceted stones. I took the GIA ( Gemological Institute of America ) courses for diamond grading and colored stone identification and that education was the start of my colored stone journey. GIA provided me with a foundation for what I know of colored stones but, Jeff is a window into the inner workings of the colored stone trade.
Two Bracelets by Sam Patania
This design is so powerful and adaptable I love it and I have made it in several different variations as my dad did. I recently had a commission to make one of these bracelets using a client’s stones. I took the opportunity to make one using another of Jeff’s aquamarines. I made both of these in Argentium Sterling instead of white gold since Argentium is such a joy to work with and won’t tarnish under faceted stones. I have many more colored stones I want to work with and plan to put them into Argentium. I will continue to make variations of this design because it is a classic timeless design which can be dressed up or down. I also believe that this design looks better after it is worn, the patina it gets gives it a feel that a new piece just can’t have. The woman who wears this piece makes it come alive and it becomes a signature piece for her.
The commission piece is being worn in Paris and the aquamarine bracelet was sold before I could get it out of my studio.
Tagged as:
aquamarine,
argentium,
Bracelet,
citrine,
Frank Patania,
Gold,
Jeff Graham,
My Jewelry Designs : from Inspiration to Construction,
Sam Patania,
silver,
tourmaline
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Heather M Skowood jewelry 11.12.08 at 6:04 pm
I love how simple and finely made these bracelets are! I also love the subtle elevations and openings, it makes the designs dynamic!
Biker Ring Man 11.12.08 at 8:22 pm
I rarely leave comments on blogs, but in this case I feel that I must. Wonderful pics… wonderful designs. Well done!