Ron has been designing jewelry since he was 12. His brother, Ernie taught him. Ernie makes entirely different jewelry than Ron but he is responsible for introducing his younger brother into this lovely world of art. Ron comes from a very artistic family. His mother, Lou was a rug weaver. She also made jewelry but she was known for her beautiful Navajo rugs.
In the last year Ron finally gave in to a friend that had wanted him to design a personal pendant for him. The problem was the piece was to be all diamonds and white gold. There would be no turquoise, no reticulation, no silver. It would be an entirely new animal for Ron. Unbeknownst to me Tom had been asking Ron for several years to make this for him. Finally Ron decided to take on the new project. One of the reasons Ron was hesitant I believe is his mother never liked diamonds. She would say they were "uggaalyy" (said in her Navajo accent). Lou passed away a few years ago so Ron was even more reluctant to dabble in these stones his mother so much disliked.
I remember the day we drove to Starr Gem to get a book on pave setting. I think I knew as much about diamond setting as Ron did with all his years of crafting. He was overwhelmed as soon as he opened the book. More than once in the next two hours did he say "I don't know about this". I told him "You can do it. You can do anything". It's true too. For months after meeting him he didn't want me to know just how talented he really was. I think he thought if he let on to me he could do anything from make jewelry, work on cars to rewire a stereo I might never let him rest. Anyway he kept reading and reading.
One day he came home with a deposit for the piece. He knew right then he had to learn the art of diamonds. After a few months of reading and online researching he decided to order the Graver Max. This is the mackdaddy of diamond setting. Apparently its quite indispensible to a diamond setter. You'd think the fact Ron had to order not one, not two but THREE of them before he got one that worked would have maybe deterred him. Maybe made him think this wasn't meant to be but no that is NOT how he works. It was just a fluke they didn't work. It is an excellent product. Most likely they were damaged in shipping but some would have let that keep them from continuing to learn. I must plug Rio Grande in NM here because they sent Ron three machines without question. They are a wonderful company to work with.
I'll continue the diamond story tomorrow. I want you all to know how he came to love diamonds and how they sparkle when they are set just right.
Art Promotion
13 years ago
