Shari K Stadel Jewelry

“The Sun God Opal”, carved opal set in gold,

reputedly mined in Mexico in the 16th century (Photo - The Field Museum)

Elephants in The Field Museum’s main hall

Recently I visited Chicago’s Field Museum and its famed Grainger Hall of Gems, one of the most comprehensive collection of gems between coasts, more than 600 gemstones and 150 pieces of antique and modern jewelry. For a jewelry designer the experience is very much a spiritual one.

Amethyst and seed pearls set in gold pendant (Photo - The Field Museum)

Beautiful stones and works of jewelry speak to me, give inspiration and a desire to craft and build pieces. Design ideas flow through me.

Peridot Necklace

This Peridot necklace was one of the loveliest pieces I viewed. Here the gem lays on top of a carved metal backing designed so that light beams through the gem, to wonderful effect. It has a bezel encrusted in diamonds. A very, very interesting piece. I would love to make something like this.

Aquamarines

Aquamarine is my birthstone. When aquamarine is as crystal clear as these they are wondrous, very rare and quite expensive. By far the most expensive piece I’ve ever made featured a big clear aquamarine for a lawyer friend on the Upper West Side (our preparatory meetings were held during a Durham Bulls minor league game in Scranton, go figure).

Ruby Necklace

Rubies are dear to me also, I crafted my own wedding ring with one. More rare than diamonds, rubies represent royalty, elegance and sophistication. These natural, untreated rubies are quite red, which is hard to find, and stunning.

Turquoise

I made friends Merica and George Michael, of the band Naked Heroes, wedding rings of turquoise. Turquoise is great for inlays, and lots of variations in color of stone, which can be quite beautiful.

Carved Jade

They have a fabulous room of Jade at the Field Museum also, and the piece above was one of the more fascinating carved pieces, perhaps some folkloric totem. I loved this little guy.