In an era of mass production, the true art of the bench jeweler is a rare commodity. Creating high jewelry requires more than just assembling beautiful stones; it requires forging the very architecture that holds them. For our latest Diamond,Onyx, and Pearl pendant, master jeweler Larry Stark handcrafted every 14k white gold element from scratch, ensuring a flawless union of metal and gemstone.
The Custom Onyx Heads
Standard settings cannot accommodate the precise geometry of custom-cut gemstones. To securely house the striking 13.3x18 mm and 12x16 mm black onyx centerpieces, Larry Stark meticulously fabricated custom eight-prong heads. These prongs are engineered to provide maximum security while remaining visually delicate, allowing the deep, opaque black of the onyx to command attention without being overshadowed by heavy metalwork.
Tailoring the Pearl Cups
Pearls present a unique challenge in fine jewelry. Unlike faceted stones, pearls are organic and vary slightly in shape and curvature. To protect and showcase the Tahitian, South Sea, and Akoya pearls in this piece, individual 14k white gold pearl cups were forged. Each cup was custom-sized—ranging from the delicate 6.5mm Akoya settings to the robust foundation for the 12mm South Sea pearl—ensuring a perfect, flush fit that highlights the spherical perfection and luster of each gem.
