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Many of our designs are created using an art of cutting stones called Inlay. Inlay is a process where a stone is cut & shaped to fit perfectly within area called a channel. After the stone is carefully fit, an extremely powerful epoxy is applied to secure it. When the epoxy cures, the stone is sanded down to the desired height & polished. Different colors and shapes are possible. I'm proud to say I was one of the pioneers in this process dating back some 40 years ago. Other talented artists such as Jerry Spaulding, John Bagley, Raoul Sosa and others were also hard at work developing this technique. Inlay takes incredible patience. The work must be meticulous and the lines perfectly straight. My 25 year old son Isaiah is my apprentice and working diligently on learning this technique. I'm proud to say he has the gift. Since jewelry schools don't teach inlay, keeping the art alive is a bit of a challenge. As this website progresses it will include a brief video showing the process in motion. As you browse through our designs, please keep in mind that if you see a ring design you like but would prefer a different stone, that's not a problem. You can order any design in any stone or combination. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude, love and support to my dear friend Karina Cross. Her dedication and assitance in teaching my son Isaiah stone cutting was invaluable. She's the best.
THE halem & co.
classic collection
Cultured Opal
Red Coral
Lapis
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Black Onyx
Black Onyx / Turq.
Onyx Vs. Black Jade
Clients frequently ask me what if any are the benefits and differences between onyx and black jade. Too begin with, onyx is a member of the agate family and black jade a member of the Nephrite family. Onyx is readily available, responds well to cutting, sanding and polishing. A mirror gloss finish is attainable. Black jade with a jet black color is hard to find. Most of the finest Black Jade comes from Wyoming. It is harder than onyx and less prone to chipping. However it is much more difficult to work with and getting a high gloss finish much harder to attain. Because of limited availability, rings with black jade runs around 25% higher per cut stone. My personal preference as an artist is onyx but the final decision yours. MICHAEL
Canadian Jade
Cultured Black Opal
Black Onyx
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Australian Opal
Moonstone
Available in domed
shapes only
Black Onyx
Limited Availability
Cultured Opal - Onyx
Red Coral
Australian Opal
Australian
Opal
Black Onyx
Australian Opal
Tanzanite
Tanzanite
Tanzanite
Australian
Opal
Cultured Opal
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