The rocky coastline of Maine, near Pemaquid Point, delivered nostalgic rock fragments.This small cove in Maine has meant a lot to Jeff and his family for over 70 years.
I love making nostalgic jewelry for people. It really doesn’t matter whether plain or fancy. The value is in the memories that a particular stone brings back. “I found this with grandpa when I was a child”; We found this in a special place or on a special vacation. The value is really in the memories.
Jeff P somehow found me on line, and recognized that I love making custom nostalgic jewelry for people. Some back and forth E-mails followed and I subsequently was mailed a small piece of Quartzite in the mail while wintering in Florida.
A small piece of Quartz was the beginning of Jeff’s vision.Butterflied and precisely fit back together. After careful cutting I was able to cut a perfect triangle.
It was evident that in order to make anything substantial, I needed to “butterfly” that stone and glue it back together. Jeff’s vision was a very simple triangle shape; silversmith.
Since I was within a few weeks of heading back north to Michigan, I suggested that the project be delayed until I could use my Intarsia Machine in my home shop. An Intarsia machine allows for very precise fitting of stone components together.
Ken silversmith A perfect, simple, Sterling mount to accept the stone I cut.
After fitting the butterflied stone back together, and precisely cutting the triangle, I turned the piece over to my buddy Ken. Ken is a master silversmith, and created a simple mounting for the stone.
The finished product.
Jeff was delighted with the results and mentioned that his son had another piece of the same rock. This was a much smaller piece and I was given a more free rein with the second stone. I made it look as if the Quartz actually was part of the Fossilized Coral.
Since Jeff and his son have ties to Florida, and specifically the Tampa Bay area, I decided to place the second Quartz stone into a lovely botryoidal orange cabochon I cut from Tampa Bay Coral. Thanks for the free rein to make this one, Jeff.
I really appreciate JP writing the following. Thanks for the opportunity that allowed me (and Ken) to make your long-time vision come to fruition. I know how much this means to you.
“A quick story of origin about a couple rock fragments that come from a large quartzite boulder at the far edge of a small cove in Pemaquid Point, ME that has been frequented by my family for more than 70 years. Many generations of relatives (to include my own) both know and love this special place and describing it alone brings back a slew of incredible memories. Early one morning on the last day of a recent family visit my son went down to the cove in the early morning hours on a mission. While the tide was still up and after scaling another rock he managed to hack two small pieces of it off as souvenirs. It was dangerous proposition at the time considering the waves crashing against the rocks, the high tide, and the fact that he was alone. I was so touched by the thoughtfulness of this act that I embarked on my own quest of creating something unique from his original gift. With the help of Don Reed’s superb skills and artistry my vision of transforming these small shards from a special place into the precious keepsakes you see displayed here was realized. Thank you Snob Appeal Jewelry!”
One of our primary services, at Snob Appeal Jewelry, is custom lapidary services.
Polished slabs of Ocean Jasper
Stones are fascinating and invite us to pick them up and enjoy their uniqueness. Sometimes we want to do a bit more with them, requiring custom lapidary work. We realize most people do not have the skills of equipment to bring their dreams to fruition. Here are some of the lapidary techniques we use to assist our customers in enjoying their rocks.
Rock Cutting
With several sizes of saws I can cut rocks up to 12″ tall, or slice your rock into pieces, chunks or slabs. I can face polish these rocks in most cases. (Face polishing means polishing just one side, leaving the other outer crust natural.) People sometimes request slabs of certain sizes to fit a backsplash or tabletop. Some rocks would not be suitable for a tabletop, but for a backsplash or wall trim piece, they may be perfect. I cannot guarantee your rock’s stability. Any solid rock may have cracks in it that you don’t see.
Rock Slabbing
Slabbing: rocks and minerals are generally slabbed in order to cut cabochons or custom shapes. We do this.
I wire wrapped this CZ for the person who cut it. It turned out very striking.I never did figure out what this was, but the customer found it and wanted a pendant. I re-worked it by cross etching, so the fossil would stand out.Doesn’t this look better?
Cabochon Cutting
Yes; I can cut your African rock into the shape of Africa.
Shaping and polishing cabochons: We can cut almost any shape from a slab or rock. We make cabochons both calibrated (round, oval, square, triangle, and such), and freeform designer shapes as well. “I found this rock in Africa, can you cut out the shape of Africa, out of it?” YES! I can. “Can you make Christmas Tree ornaments from my Petoskey Stones?” YES! I can.
Datolite Cabochons ready for jewelry,
CustomBeading
We can make a custom beaded necklace and matching earrings. Tell us your vision, and we’ll work with you to create a special piece of jewelry. Bonnie is professionally trained in beading, including hand knotting. She doesn’t just go buy beads at a craft store and throw them on a string. This is not “art” to us.
One of Bonnie’s creations. Petoskey Stone, Datolite, and Leland Blue. I polished this for a lady whose husband had terminal cancer. I had no idea there would be an angel in it. It was really a good omen for them. He saw it before he passed on.A customer sent these stones from a nostalgic family outing. I drilled and stacked them into a 2″ tall pendant. Happy Camper!Perhaps you have found a Greenstone that needs polishing.A Greenstone like the one above, might look this good. Have you found one you think is nice. Let me cut it.
Custom Lapidary Work
Making Jewelry from a Special Rock. People often call or send me an E-mail, for example, that they have a certain nostalgic rock, found many years ago with Grandpa, found on a memorable trip, or found in the basement of garage of their Rockhound grandparents. These are perfect candidates for custom lapidary work. I’ve made a pendant for a lady whose husband had terminal cancer, and she wanted me to cut and wrap a rock that he had given her years ago. I was able to get this done before he passed away, so he could see it.
I can get backed up on these custom orders, but I will advise you of my estimated backload, and when you should expect any custom work. No matter how homely that nostalgic stone is, I treat it as it is the most treasued Diamond; as if it were mine. You are always kept “in the loop”, with progress reports as your project is made.
A customer sent these Star Crinoids, he found, to be made into pendants and earrings. The material was not very stable, and was a challenge.
Polishing your rock: Polishing is often combined with cutting, but not all the time. As an example, we live in an area where people find Michigan’s Official State Stone, the Petoskey Stone. These stones are almost pure Calcite, and some of them get pretty beat up in the surf of Lake Michigan. Barely any Petoskey Stones are water polished, so the crust needs to be removed, and a nice polish needs to be added. If you are looking for someone to polish your Petoskey, or most other stones, look no further.
One of my all-time favorite projects, A Greenstone and Petoskey Stone Turtle I made for a Christmas gift for one of my friends’ wife. A Christmas present of a lifetime.Did you find any Yooperstones in the U.P.? Let me make something of them.Datolite with copper Lightning.Very unusual Laguna Agate.
My Busy Workbench
An average day on my workbench. Several things happening at once.I cut some deluxe Lake Superior Agates for myself. I could cut yours’ also.
We are like that guy on the TV commercials, that’s seen it all. When it comes to rocks, I have not seen it all, but I’ve been around long enough that I have seen a lot, and done a lot, with rocks.
Even though I make jewelry from Precious Metal Wire, I have studied Lost Wax, Silversmithing, Chain Making, faceting, and other disciplines at William Holland School of Lapidary Arts. I have settled on Wire wrapping, because it is very a very creative art form. My wire wrapping skills are a step (or many steps), above most. This is because I try to improve every aspect of what I do, each time I do it. I never settle on “Good Enough”. I strive for perfection, but realize there is always room for improvement.
Send me a picture of what you have, and there is a possibility I could make something amazing for you.
Wire Wrapping
The stone is the star with my wire wrapping. Our custom lapidary work enhances whatever gemstone I use. I do not hide my gemstones in a lot of wire. Some Wire Artists use lots of wire with loop-de-loops and curlicues galore, but it is not my style. I spend too much time cutting my unusual, and/or rare stones, to hide them in a tangle of wire. I have been taught wrapping using a lot of wire, often referred to as “Wire Sculpture”, but my personal style is considered “classical”, with a more restrained use of the wire as decoration.
We are not a big production shop, so if you want multiple. production line, type work, I’m not your guy. We are a small business, based on honesty and integrity, creating one-of-a-kind pieces. We always treat our customers as if they are friends and family.
If you have a Lapidary project that you have been thinking about, let us know. We look forward to working with you. If I can’t do your project, I may know someone who can.
I want to share the story of Cheryl’s rock which became a custom nostalgic stone jewelry set. One of our specialties is making custom pieces of jewelry using stones precious to our customers. It may be a stone found when searching a beach with Grandpa or Grandma, or a stone from Grandpa’s old rock collection. It may be that special Agate that was re-discovered in a drawer or lived in your pocket every day. It just may be a stone you’ve wanted to do something with for years, and just never discovered anyone who could transform it for you.
Cheryl’s Kazakhstan rock became beautiful jewelry
There are a multitude of reasons that someone may want a piece of custom jewelry made.
It does not matter how beautiful or ugly a rock might be; the true value of a stone is in the memories that it evokes.
Behind these nostalgic treasures; every one is treated by me as if it were the most valuable stone I’ve ever worked with. The utmost care is taken to produce a piece of jewelry that elicits fond memories.
Cheryl’s Story
Hello, Don, Here is the story of my rock.
In 1994 my husband went to a very remote area in southeast Kazakhstan near the Chinese border to advise a beginning sheep farmer. My husband was working with an organization called VOCA (Volunteers for Overseas Cooperative Assistance) and Mercy Corps International. There were many problems faced by farmers in the area due to the remote location. My husband would sometimes sit close to a nearby river while he tried to come up with suggestions that could be used by people who had so little to work with. Somewhere near this river, he found the rock.
My husband gave the rock to me when he returned. He suggested making a necklace out of it. I had no idea how to accomplish that. The rock was too big to use the whole thing. I looked at a few craft fairs for an artist who could turn the rock into jewelry, but the rock remained just a rock for many years. I even occasionally tried to find someone online without any luck. Finally, this year I came across Snob Appeal Jewelry as a result of a Google search. I now have not only a wonderful heart-shaped necklace but also a ring, thanks to Don’s talent and Bonnie’s feminine insight.
My husband was killed in a car accident in 1998, so he was not able to see the transformation of the rock, but I am sure he would have been pleased. I wear the ring all the time. It reminds me that my husband was always thinking about me.
Thank you so much for your personal story Cheryl.
It was a pleasure to make these pieces for Cheryl and know that she will always enjoy wearing them. I’m not certain what Cheryl’s rock is, but that really does not matter; does it?
I have made many custom “Remembrance Rocks”, and there are stories behind each one. I know some, but not all the stories. Over the next few months I’ll share some of the stories I know.
If you are interested in having a custom nostalgic jewelry piece made, be sure to visit our Custom Work page, visit and like us on Facebook, or send me some pictures of your rock.
Among our Great Lakes stone jewelry pieces, every year one or two pendants stand out as very special. One extraordinary stone pendant this year was a triple segmented pendant of three semiprecious gemstones from the Great Lakes area. A gorgeous Minnesota Thomsonite, a Keweenaw silver nugget, and a copper-filled Keweenaw Datolite show off the great influence of metals in stone through this fancy piece. The photo does not do it justice. In person, it shines in many directions and swings freely, and the pinks in the top and bottom complement each other.
This special piece was custom made for a most discriminating customer. Annually she searches through my inventory to find my best new pendants. Also she picks out stones that fit her bold and eclectic tastes, offering design challenges in the late summer and allowing me to create something very special over the winter months. She is an advocate of Michigan artists as well as loving Michigan stones and the great jewelry that can come from Great Lakes stones.
You can see that the size of this pendant is big and bold; this one is around five inches in length. The silver nugget was most likely picked from a mine ore crusher many years ago somewhere in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Thomsonite was an inch tall and even wider, and dug in Grand Marais Minnesota years ago before the famous Thomsonite site was filled and and a park was created. The Datolite with loads of copper inclusions, was located on the Delaware Mine waste piles, making the entire pendant from places no longer existing. Most of these stones I’ve had for many, many years.
In order to make these large, multi-stone pendants, I think freedom or movement in the pendant is vitally important for comfortable wearing. When sitting, the pendant conforms to the different body positions.
Next year’s Extraordinary Pendant is being designed and, to be honest, I do not yet have the perfect stones. I’ve been feverishly searching my stash. I am not satisfied yet.
Recently I have created several custom pieces for other customers, and I can create one for you. I’ll work with your stones or mine. Christmas is approaching fast. Please think of us for your gifting needs.
Here are a couple custom pieces I’ve recently done from customer stones.
From one jasper a customer found on a romantic getaway. I love these nostalgic pieces.
A beautifully, customer cut CZ. It was a big faceted stone. The wire wrap challenge was matching the carefully calibrated stone with the wraps. The flowing design in the top directed the eye down into the stone. Michael’s wife will wear this on a romantic cruise in the near future.
Custom lapidary, or stone cutting, is a way to turn your favorite vacation stone into a jewelry piece you can wear forever to remind you of your great day on the beach or rock pile.
Many times people will send stones for cutting and/or wire wrapping that aren’t necessarily beautiful, but have a deep sentimental value to the owner. These might include stones that were picked up while hunting rocks with Grandma or Grandpa as a child, or something found while on a memorable vacation, honeymoon, almost anything that when they think back makes them smile. I carefully cut and polish your stone, and either send the Cabochon back for another jeweler to finish or make something for you myself according to your wishes.
Rutilated Quartz. I love the ribbons
Laguna Agate. This one had much shadow.
Pudding Stone found in the road.
A few new Laker Cuts.
An atypical Greenstone. No color touchup on it. Sometimes with Greenstones you see weirdness; but that’s OK.
Some recently acquired Fire Agate I recut.
Anadara (Salt Water Clamshells from Northeren California). The patterns are amazing.
Wedding jewelry is also something we specialize in, both for the bride, and also for the attendants. You would be amazed at some of the things I’ve done and made for people. Most recently someone ask me to cut out the shape of Yap Island and somehow combine it with a Petoskey Stone the shape of Yap Stone Money. I had to research where the hell Yap was and what it and Yap Stone Money looked like. This project is still developing in my creative mind.
In addition to some custom lapidary, I have had a little time this month to make a few nice cabs myself. I’ve decided to show you a few, primarily from Great Lakes Rocks and Minerals. Most of the rocks I have been working with Bonnie discovered while attempting to organize my shop area. When you buy up old collections, sometimes by the pickup load, bring them home, and toss them in piles, you have the tendency to forget what you have; or never really knew what you have in the first place. So this sorting can be surprising.
Datolites with Copper Inclusions
A few new Laker Cuts.
Top: Copper Included Agate from the Kearsarge Lode Bottom: Copper included Keweenaw Point Datolite. Good things and come in small packages that are re-discovered in my shop.
Bonnie’s recent barn finds include a bucket of Lakers hidden in the recesses, some nice Datolite from years ago, and some things we have purchased at the Quartzsite and Tucson Gem Shows over the years. So we are concentrating on some of these finds. As they might say, “so many rocks, so little time”! Which slab should I cut today?
Bonnie and I both got excited about a little yellow Keweenaw Point Datolite with copper that she found in the bottom of a cottage cheese carton with other treasures. I am not messy on purpose, but sometimes I dump whatever is in the top tray of my Genie or Titan Cabochon machine. This occurs when I have to change wheels, or move machines around, or even change for some clean water. These random stones and unfinished cabs get heaped in a little dish, with full intentions of returning them to the tray, after the dirty water is dumped. Sometimes (OK often), I forget and have little containers around with treasures from the tray. They get dumped together and forgotten until Bonnie or I re-find them. So a couple of these cabs are from those lost troves.
A small bucket of top grade Laker slabs and cabs was also found and I cut a few. Enjoy the pictures.
See more examples at our Custom Work page. If you are interested in any of these beauties in a pendant or have an idea for other custom lapidary, give us a call for a custom piece.
Custom druzy wire jewelry to match the brides wedding colors.
For a unique touch, the bride created her own bouquet out of comic books. The pendant matched the dress and bouquet perfectly.
Special occasions call for special jewelry. If you are looking for custom special occasion stone jewelry, cut and wire wrapped just for you, please consider our custom lapidary services. We have created jewelry for Renaissance (and other) Weddings, special gifts, and lots of personal mementos. The services we frequently provide at Snob Appeal Jewelry include:
Special Occasion Custom Lapidary
If you find a nice Petoskey Stone, I can polish it so you don’t have to lick it to show off the pattern!
These freeform Thomsonite cabochons are highly desirable.
These beautiful examples of Copper Country cabochons are cut and polished for use in jewelry.
Perhaps you have a favorite rock or slab that you have finally decided to have worked on. I can cut and/or slab most any rock up to twelve inches. Prices can vary for this service depending on size, number of rocks or slabs. People often bring me rocks they have found, or rocks with sentimental value. Since each rock is different, after studying it, I look for attributes to highlight, and point out flaws that I may be able to repair or work around. I am honest with my customers. My trips to the Upper Peninsula involve new and repeat customers bringing their finds to me. Many repeat customers stop to get my opinion on their Lake Superior Agates, Datolites, Greenstones, and uncounted other finds. Some want a Cabochon cut and wire wrapped, while others might just bring in a Petoskey Stone for me to polish. Whenever I do custom lapidary on any customer owned rock, I treat it as my own, not shortcutting my procedures in any way. My best advertising is word of mouth, and I do not want my integrity and honesty besmirched. I hope you’ll tell your friends about your new favorite!
2. Custom Wire Wrapping
A wire-wrapped dragonfly was a whimsical pendant for a dragonfly-loving customer.
Old stock Mexican crazy lace agate with opal turned into one of my favorite wire wrapped pieces I ever made.
A big, bold double-hinged copper nugget pendant created from a customer’s stone collection, including copper and greenstone.
A beautiful candy-striped Lake Superior Agate elegantly but simply wire wrapped, not distracting from the perfect agate.
I love it when someone wants me to make a pendant from their stone. I try to get some feel as to their style and choice of precious metal wire. I make pendants from Argentium Sterling (Tarnish resistant Sterling Silver), 14/20 Gold, both pink Gold and Gold Gold). Many customers like a mix of colors that allow different chains to match a pendant. This two or three-tone approach allows someone to purchase a gift pendant for someone they are not sure of the metal they wear. Sometimes a stone just yells for accents of a silver or pink metal, so we can discuss the choices.
A custom wire wrapped cubic zirconia faceted by a talented customer is my more recent custom piece. How’s that for bling?
As you can see from photos, my wire wrapping style is classical. I do nothing that takes away from the star of any pendant, THE STONE. With some wire artists, you will see a lot of wires running all over the place. I appreciate that some may like this “Wire Sculpture” style, but that’s not how I do it. My wrapping is very precise both in design and construction. Some multi-stone pendants are a combination of engineering and design in unison.
Prices of pendants are dependent of the amount of wire (size and thickness of the stone), how complicated the wire wrapping is, and the time it takes. To evaluate your special occasion custom lapidary, I really need to see the stone and discuss what you want done in order to give a price. I do not “cheap” on wire; In general the more wire, the better the jewelry looks.
Elegant stone wire-wrapped jewelry is my specialty. To make your custom lapidary special, the addition of gemstones or sparkly cubic zirconias might make your piece just right. Occasionally a stone calls for a playful look.
Send me a picture or give me a call and let’s see what we can do with your favorite rock or stone! Custom lapidary and custom wire wrapping are our top services! The bottom line is we love and understand rocks and can make great special occasion custom lapidary for you. Try us!
Check out our Testimonials page to see what others have said about our work.
