About Me
I am a metalsmith and a lapidary. I enjoy cutting and polishing stones to make my jewelry line. I started as a metal smith 10-12 years ago and have taken several continuing education classes to hone my skills.
metalsmith and a lapidary
in making unique and custom jewelry
We winter in Arizona now around the big Tucson Gem Show, where I source most of my materials. At the Tucson Gem Show, there are several smaller shows that host vendors from all over the world. This gives me access to stones from places like Australia, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa, something we don’t have access to the rest of year. This is where we buy our rough rocks, which we slice and cut into cabochons, as seen in the photo to the right.In addition, I belong to a lapidary club in Mesa, Arizona. The lapidary club allows me to go on digs where I unearth stones like onyx and jasper that are found in Arizona, and cut and polish them to gemstone quality. During travels to places like Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, my husband and I enjoy stopping at local rock shops, where we purchase rough rocks found in those states. I recycle all scrap silver and reuse it in my wax casting. I only use precious metals like sterling and fine silver, natural copper, and brass in my work.
Natural, Renewable Sources
Foraged Stones
Foraged stones in jewelry making refer to natural stones that are collected, or “foraged,” directly from the environment rather than being sourced from dealers
Handmade
Jewelers use foraged stones (by cutting, polishing) to create pieces that are environmentally friendly and often have a story to the natural world, making each piece unique and meaningful.
Custom Work
On specific requirements, I make the piece tailored to their specifications, including choice of materials, gemstones, metal type, size, and design elements. This collaborative process ensures the final piece aligns perfectly with the client’s vision.
About
Sabina Brown
I started out making simple things with beads and wire, like many jewelry artists, and gradually added new skills. My favorite techniques to use now are fabrication and lost wax casting, however I have not forsaken my first love, wire working. Adding lapidary skills has only enhanced my skillset, as I can now make a stone to fit a design idea or request as needed.
I participate in around 25 art shows a year in Ohio and Arizona, which is my favorite way to meet potential customers, as I am social person. But I also have Facebook and Instagram pages that keep me in contact with jewelry lovers from all over. I never imagined how my love for jewelry as a child would take me down this path to now make it my career. I am blessed to do what I love and love what I do.