Ethan Schultz

Back to the Stone Age

Back to the Stone Age honors the inherent properties of stone by emphasizing their most pronounced features. This collection of work breaks from a common approach found in jewelry design where metal is the focus. Here, stone takes the spotlight. Stones have been used in jewelry compositions for thousands of years but are often used to add color or sparkle. Instead of primarily metal with stone, I have used primarily stone with metal. This change in approach allows the stone to have a louder voice. Stones with patterns are enhanced by cutting in the shape of the pattern; stones with solid color through shape and polish. My use of minimalist forms focuses on the aesthetic qualities of the stone. Every stone has inherent beauty, and by cutting, shaping, and polishing, the beauty is magnified.