[ Article appears in Masters: Gemstones ]
 

Masters: Gemstones
A Lark Publications book featuring works by leading jewelers.

"The extraordinary work of 39 master artists have been selected to appear in this juried collection called "Masters: Gemstones".  This provocative and engaging survey presents magnificent jewelry from the leading artists working with gemstones today.

About Zoltan David:
"It is astounding that such immaculate jewelry can still be made by hand.  Zoltan David's pieces reflect a trio of qualities every jeweler aspires to - precision craftsmanship, technical innovation, and strong personal style.  David's signature motif is a beaded line, which he uses to construct graphic patterns of inlaid color and texture.

In the impressive Ruby Ring (page 218), he has designed and executed a multi-tiered tour de force of contemporary gemstone setting.  Elevating the ruby from the main band makes the stone more visible.  The light that passes through it is reflected and intensified by the metal below.  The accent diamonds on the main band are secured in a two-bead setting.  The bright grooves at the top and bottom of each diamond echo the shape of the surrounding yellow-gold beaded inlay.  Through such formal structures, David accomplishes a tricky feat.  Simultaneously, his work seems to acknowledge the exquisite jewelry of the past while extending it in a way that feels thoroughly modern.

"When uncompromising gemstones are brought together with precious metals and my imagination, wonderful things begin to happen.  The voice of design starts to sing to me, the goldsmith's skills start to gather around me like allies, and a wonderful symphony begins.  The passion weighs in, the pride weighs in, the love of beauty calls out, the innate gift of proportion guides, and in short the human spirit is in expression - the most powerful of forces."