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Gemstones & Pearls Category
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Mine!
Artist: Joy Masters (Astoria, NY)
First Place, Gemstones & Pearls
"When I saw the selection of pyrite on Rings & Things website, I knew I wanted to make something using pyrite exclusively. Pyrite -- Fool's Gold! -- always makes me think of the gold rush out West. Strange? Perhaps, but I always picture dirty men in hats, sifting through rivers and tunneling in deep mines. It's crazy that something one can pick out of the dirt can be turned into something extravagant and rich looking. I got the title "Mine!" from both the mines that dusty men worked in and the overlying theme of the gold rush --- making a claim 'It's mine! All mine!'
"I had an idea of doing a cuff for the neck. At first I wanted something much looser in design, with each strand being separate from the other, but could not get the [24-gauge gunmetal] wire to cooperate due to the weight of the beads. After a couple weeks of messing around, I finally decided to let the beads rule the game and intertwine with each other. It ended up being much more elegant than if I had only listened to myself. Even though the necklace has a lot of weight to it, it feels good to wear it. There is no doubt you are wearing something substantial (and could possibly double as a weapon if necessary :)."
-- Joy Masters
View more 2010 First Place winners. Or, check for details about our most recent contest!
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