Sherris Cottier Shank Gemstone Roundtables-13th Year with us.

Sherris at head of Gemstone Roundtable

It is Sherris’ 13th year doing Gemstone Roundtables at Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design.  13 years of doing wonderful collaborative jewelry design with Christopher setting Sherris’ wonderful unique gemstone carvings.  Sherris clearly remembers that first weekend of roundtables.  She says she was incredibly shy and these events involve lots of one on one close involvement directly with clients who are thrilled to have the chance to see so many incredible and unique gems — and to meet the artisan, wow what a thrill!

Wer’e thrilled to host four Gemstone Roundtables over a three day period with Sherris in September every year.  Over the years Sherris has gotten to know many of our customers very well (they wouldn’t miss one of her shows.)  She often brings gems that she specifically cut with them in mind.  For Sherris it is really gratifying to work on a gem that is specifically meant for a particular individual.  This changes her thought process as she determines what to do with the rough material from the beginning.  Big gems, smaller gems, what colors, multiple gems in color combinations that she knows would appeal specifically to them. 

This is one of the great benefits of attending a Gemstone Roundtable — the personal relationship that grows and develops over time.  We are always introducing new clients to the shows and to each of our Gemstone Superstars. They then return again and again.  These gemstone collections are unique and change as gems find new homes.  They are completely different year to year so everyone knows that they will get to see something new and wonderful.

To see many of the one of a kind custom designs by Christopher M. Jupp and Sherris Cottier Shank follow this link:

http://www.christophersfjd.com/collaborations-sherris_cottier_shank.php

Do you have custom designed jewelry?  How do you like the process?

Tanzanite Briolette by Sherris Cottier Shank

Image via Wikipedia

 

5.15 ct. Tanzanite Briolette carved by Sherris Cottier Shank

This is one of the new wonderful gemstone designs that Sherris will be bringing to Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design September 9 through 11, 2010.  It is likely to be a very rare item because it is now illegal to export tanzanite in it’s rough form from Tanzania.

What would you do with this unique carved gem?

 

You can see many designs by Christopher set with Sherris’ gems at http://www.christophersfjd.com/design_archives-gemscape_collaborations.php

 

Check out more of Sherris’ loose gems at http://www.christophersfjd.com/gemstone_superstar.php?id=1

Upcoming Gemstone Roundtables-Sherris Cottier Shank

Gold Element by Christopher M. Jupp set with Tourmaline Carved by Sheris Cottier Shank

Fluid and Motion is in every soft line of Sherris’ unique gemstone designs.  Sherris’ fluid dimensional carving makes these gems look different from every angle.  Scoops, swirls, and ridges reflect light differently as the piece is moved around.

In collaboration with Christopher M. Jupp, Sherris’ gems are beautifully enhanced and framed in precious metals and wonderful to wear.  Tourmaline fits nicely into this season’s warm fall tones of fashion colors.

Gold pendant by Christopher M. Jupp set with gem carving by Sherris Cottier Shank

Sherris is our next guest Gemstone Superstar at our Gemstone Roundtable series-September 9, 10, & 11.  Seats are limited and must be reserved.  Call 217-352-2415 or email info@christophers-finejewelry.com to reserve your seats now.

(the images in our current blog header are all element designs by Christopher set with Sherris’ gems)

Sparkling Fun, a Gemstone Roundtable Fan C. has her say.

Sparkling Fun

Once again, I had a great time at the Gemstone Roundtable at Christopher’s. Barbara from Boston Gems had a beautiful assortment of moonstones, faceted gems and amazing colored diamonds. Just as I learned at a previous Roundtable that opals are NOT boring, white, cloudy stones, I learned from Barbara’s collection that moonstones are far from looking like plastic globs that were used to adorn the hippies of the 1970′s.

Back to the part about the great time ….
It is an understatement to say that Saturday night’s 14 Roundtable guests were lively. The laughter began instantly – even before our first wine glass was emptied. Suggestions were made that the gorgeous flower displays be spiked with Beta Fish but no one offered to share the delicious food with the poor fish. Christopher was kept busy taping gems on guests, suggesting various designs and avoiding listening to those  who were bragging about the “transformer” rings and other intricate pieces he’d made for them in the past. By the time the evening was over, we’d all forgotten the concerns of the day. We’d laughed, seen some amazing gemstones and had the opportunity, once again, to marvel over the beauty that can be created when you team Christopher’s artistic ability with unique gems from around the world. Sign me up for the next Roundtable; it’s always a blast!

Collaborations – Designers and Clients – Respect, Trust, and Genuine Appreciation for People

I’ve watched Christopher Jupp work with individuals designing a very large body of work since 1978.  His skills and fundamental talent bring great ideas and images to realty, pieces of jewelry that fulfill the purpose required and also satisfy the aesthetics and emotional desires of each individual client.

 Magic happens when he sits down with a client.  He is passionate about what he does, but he also genuinely likes working with people to bring dreams to life.  He listens closely, he sketches, he suggests and he listens more.  It is an enlightening, interactive and entertaining process.  Eight to twelve times each week Christopher genuinely collaborates with his clients.  This has created a large archive of wonderful designs unique to the client’s desires.

 http://christophers-finejewelry.com/DiamondPhotoAlbum/diamondgallery1.htm

 How have you worked with a designer?

Thinking about best ways to utilize new media tools for business

I’m reading Trust Agents by Chris Brogan & Julien Smith, & thinking about, well trust.  In our jewelry business we’ve always wanted to connect with our customers on a personal level.  We really do consider them guests, and clients, and over the years many become close friends.  We’ve done this by keeping our store in the same midwestern city we started in; by keeping our staff well informed and engaged in this aspect of our mission; by offering lots of real face to face intereaction with our clients.  We focus on our custom design services.  Our gemstone roundtables provide an intimate fun setting to view special selections of gemstones once a month.   Lots of one on one attention is both challenging and very rewarding.

Nowdays, the pool for potential clients has expanded exponentially & is worldwide.  Location for these clients isn’t the deciding factor. New media tools allow real communication, real conversation to happen in real time to & from everywhere.  The challenge is the constant learning curve and modeling the business challenges.  How do you plan & model the use of this collection of tools into the functional & effective part of the business that it should be?  How do you remain personal as you build and work to maintain your customer relationships -but at a distance?  How do you reinforce trust?

Our mission is to keep our relationship with our clients close and the media equivelent of “face to face.  Trust is a must for the best long term success and it must be earned.  Every transaction and communication should show that the business is worthy of the client’s trust.  This remains true in “real” space every day and in the virtual world round the clock.

What systems have you created to maximize the power of trust using new media communication tools?

Gemstone and Color Forecast Spring/Summer 2010

Spectral Gems, Inc.

Outside the snow is falling, blowing and drifting. The sky is dark and gray. While we weave through the wonder-land of winter, here’s a little perspective to ponder for the sunshine ahead!

Roger is just back from Tanzania, his tenth trip to Africa. This trip yielded rough Rhodolite and Zircon. There was an abundance of yellow, blue green and chrome green Tourmaline. Tsavorite Garnet was plentiful as was Tanza-nite (yeah)! He’s been pondering some of the rough for days, waiting for the inspiration of the cut that will unlock the beauty within.

In Tanzania it is summer. On Roger’s trip the landscape was green and lush. The sun rose over the horizon with a yellowish green tint until it was high overhead. Bright, tropical flowers were everywhere and often found when least expected. All this brilliance was set against the sand, dirt and rock of the landscape.

This spring the colors will be much like the landscape of Tanzania. Vibrant brights will add a sense of excitement especially when set against practical neutrals. Bright, bold colors like yellow, turquoise and almost acidic orange will be a driving force when paired with functional, everyday basics.

Energy and technology are the buzzwords of the season paired with optimism and progress. Colors reflect the experimentation, chemical elixirs and energy charged infusions. Energy surges through the colors to infuse them with warmth. Yellow-green, coral, warm reds, ochre, clay and deep violet predominate.

Neutrals this season have their own story. They’re basic and functional yet sometimes intense in a softened-in-the-washing-machine way. They’re muffled and grayed, soft and serene. The neutrals are perfect as the back-ground and solid base for bright, vibrant colors.

As Roger is cutting this spring it will be with the memory of the Tanzanian landscape colliding with the technology that allows him to unlock the beauty in a piece of Tanzanian rough. Energy and experimentation will be his buzz-words as he pushes the limits of creativity.

Experience a bit of Tanzania this spring with bright, bold colors and soft diverse neutrals. Roger’s gemstones this spring will include the boldness of Zircon, Tsavorite and Spessartite Garnet, Tourmalines in unexpected hues of yellow-green, orange and brown as well as the soft, yet strong, hues of Morganite, Aquamarine and Scapolite.

Roger and Ginger Dery

Spectral Gems, Inc.

http://rogerdery.blogspot.com

Outside the snow is falling, blowing and drifting. The sky is dark and gray. While we weave through the wonder-land of winter, here’s a little perspective to ponder for the sunshine ahead!

Roger is just back from Tanzania, his tenth trip to Africa. This trip yielded rough Rhodolite and Zircon. There was an abundance of yellow, blue green and chrome green Tourmaline. Tsavorite Garnet was plentiful as was Tanza-nite (yeah)! He’s been pondering some of the rough for days, waiting for the inspiration of the cut that will unlock the beauty within.

In Tanzania it is summer. On Roger’s trip the landscape was green and lush. The sun rose over the horizon with a yellowish green tint until it was high overhead. Bright, tropical flowers were everywhere and often found when least expected. All this brilliance was set against the sand, dirt and rock of the landscape.

This spring the colors will be much like the landscape of Tanzania. Vibrant brights will add a sense of excitement especially when set against practical neutrals. Bright, bold colors like yellow, turquoise and almost acidic orange will be a driving force when paired with functional, everyday basics.

Energy and technology are the buzzwords of the season paired with optimism and progress. Colors reflect the experimentation, chemical elixirs and energy charged infusions. Energy surges through the colors to infuse them with warmth. Yellow-green, coral, warm reds, ochre, clay and deep violet predominate.

Neutrals this season have their own story. They’re basic and functional yet sometimes intense in a softened-in-the-washing-machine way. They’re muffled and grayed, soft and serene. The neutrals are perfect as the back-ground and solid base for bright, vibrant colors.

As Roger is cutting this spring it will be with the memory of the Tanzanian landscape colliding with the technology that allows him to unlock the beauty in a piece of Tanzanian rough. Energy and experimentation will be his buzz-words as he pushes the limits of creativity.

Experience a bit of Tanzania this spring with bright, bold colors and soft diverse neutrals. Roger’s gemstones this spring will include the boldness of Zircon, Tsavorite and Spessartite Garnet, Tourmalines in unexpected hues of yellow-green, orange and brown as well as the soft, yet strong, hues of Morganite, Aquamarine and Scapolite.

Roger and Ginger Dery

Spectral Gems, Inc.

http://rogerdery.blogspot.com