About Earthstone Originals
Earthstone Originals is welcoming the addition of our extended family and gifted artists Ed and Diane to the team.
[November 2006]
Ed & Di’s Lapidary became a reality in 2005 after nearly 10 years working with rocks and gems. What started out as a hobby quickly blossomed into a backyard filled with tons of rocks and countless pieces of used lapidary equipment. It became apparent that we needed to find something to do with all of this material. We decided to join the Oregon Coast Agate Club and found that there were a multitude of things that could be made from rocks – we just needed to find our niche.
Ed was initially drawn to making spheres. He purchased a sphere machine and started making spheres from all kinds of materials. With a lot of perseverance and diligence he perfected his own technique. He is now known for the quality of his workmanship and the fantastic polish he gets on his spheres. He has displayed competitively and received the designation of “Master” for his sphere making.
Diane’s interest in the lapidary arts is varied. She became interested in wire-wrapping, beading and faceting. She took lessons in wire-wrapping in Montana and was soon developing her own jewelry designs and giving lessons to others. Her philosophy is to wire wrap each piece to enhance the stone – not overpower its beauty. Our jewelry is a joint effort with Ed preparing the stones and Diane wire-wrapping them into a finished product using gold and silver wire. Diane also facets gems and uses them in her wire-wrapping projects as well. All of her work utilizes custom made stones and designs to ensure unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Earthstone Originals is a family design team consisting of Wayne and Barbara and daughter, Susan. We are based primarily in Richmond, Virginia and Northwestern Montana. We travel across the U.S. to collect the best available semi-precious stone beads, pearls, crystals, vintage glass and quality sterling silver clasps and findings. Thus giving us some originality and many unusual beads to work with.
As it states in our name, each piece is ORIGINAL. There is only one and no copies will be made.
Our love of stones originated with Barbara and apparently was contagious and incurable because it spread rapidly to the rest of us and we’ve been afflicted ever since. We care about our stones first and foremost, so you are guaranteed to own a truly unique piece, created in partnership with Mother Nature.
Jewelry does more than enhance our wardrobes. The warmth and feel of stone against our skin, and the knowledge of each particular stones’ ancient history, healing properties and uses brings us all closer to the earth and our spiritual selves.