Lab grown blue spinel gemstone stud earrings for men | Handcrafted in USA

These sterling silver square stud earrings are handmade by me in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of North America.

I set a lab grown blue spinel in the corner of each one.

Lab grown blue spinel is typically created using the "flame fusion" method, also known as the Verneuil process, where a powdered mixture of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) with a small amount of cobalt (to achieve the blue color) is melted in a high-temperature flame and deposited onto a rotating pedestal, gradually solidifying into a crystal boule that can then be cut and polished into gemstones

I strive to run an ecologically sustainable business.

Because my jewelry is made using hand fabrication processes, it has lightness, durability and detail unachievable via mass production.

Approximately 7mm x 7mm and 1.5mm thick.

GUARANTEED forever against breakage due to normal use.

SUSTAINABILITY: I use silver and gold with a post consumer content from precious metals manufacturers that purchase new metals from fair labor practicing mines.

I believe that purchasing high quality jewelry with a post consumer content that is repairable and recyclable is very important.

I make jewelry in small batches, minimizing waste, use of resources and strengthening the metal by using hand forming techniques en lieu of casting processes.

I fell in love with metal in the 1991 at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and soon after decided to move to Seattle, where one of the best metal design programs was in the nation. This program was shut down in 2008 because of state university requirements in class sizes because of population growth and a general dissolution nation wide in Fine Arts Programs, which is still happening today. In 1995-96 I studied in Rome via the UW studios at Campo Dei Fiori, and then took a quarter off to explore North Africa and the Middle East. I then completed my 5 year degree (BFA) in Metal Design at the UW Seattle in 1998. I have worked with metal in many ways over the years, from large to small, iron to gold. I also was part owner of a fine cabinetry business in Port Townsend with my former partner for 13 years. I now live and work on half an acre that I developed alone during the Covid 19 pandemic in Port Townsend WA. I Love my creative life and making high quality jewelry that will last forever.

I use silver and gold from suppliers that purchase from fair labor practicing mines and use 50-100% post consumer content. I believe that purchasing high quality jewelry that is repairable and recyclable is one of many things we need to do for humans to live sustainably on our planet. I strive to purchase from suppliers that offer sustainable options and all fabrication is done by my hands, in my tiny studio I built with my former partner. I design my jewelry to be comfortable and last forever. 

You can read more about my main supplier of metals and gemstones at:

Stuller https://www.stuller.com/corporate-responsibility/?prettyUrl=earthfirst%2F#crMetals

Materials: silver posts and backs, blue spinel gemstones, solid 925 sterling silver.