Stones
I cannot exaggerate how much I adore stones for their infinite diversity in terms of colour, transparency and texture.
From a clear brilliant diamond to a druzy agate, the variety is fascinating. When I started making jewellery, we talked about brilliant sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Those boundaries are now long-gone, and the traditional definition of "precious stones" no longer applies. Over the years, I have always tried to find unusual, striking stones, from which I can create unique shapes. Almost all my stones are cut in the EU to my individual specification.
I grew up surrounded by the bluest of waters, interspersed with waves and little pockets of land, where the green was scarce yet intense; where nature announced herself with explosive colours that quickly burnt under the relentless, unforgiving summer sun. Unsurprisingly, colours became my pathos and my destiny, my vocabulary and my compass, which I use to express not only my art, but also the way I think.
– MARIA FRANTZI
Wherever possible, I'm happy to combine any stone with any design.
Some of my stones have hand-engraved patterns and designs, some are cabochons or facetted and others are left in their natural state (e.g. druzy). Recently I have used quite a lot of doublets with a contemporary and striking result - a doublet is two stones together, with one stone forming a thin base layer, on top of which is a full-size stone. This has enabled me to use stones in a variety of shapes and sizes not possible with a single stone.
Maria designed & made this bespoke piece for me last year – it is my favourite necklace. She works with stunning and vibrantly coloured gem stones and a variety of silver, gold and oxi silver to create contrast and a contemporary style. This necklace is eye catching and very special but also easy to wear every day. Maria also made me some gorgeous diamond studs set in oxi silver which I wear constantly. Thank you Maria for understanding exactly what I had in my head somehow!?
– EMMA