Asteria Colored Diamonds

Asteria Colored Diamonds

TechForm

TechForm Platinum Jewelry Casting

Leibish & Co

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Barbara Westwood’s Bold Designs

An opal from from the Christensen mine in Andamooka, Australia, cut by Paul Christensen is framed in 18k gold and diamonds. It retails for about $140,000.

Dramatic colors, distinct shapes, and artistic expression are among the characteristics of Barbara Westwood’s jewelry. Large gemstones of varying shapes, colors and designs create central themes often highlighted by high-karat gold, diamonds and other precious gems. These pieces are designed to stand alone or complement her other creations.

Black onyx hearts carved Steve Walters and topped with a precious gem (such as citrine, blue topaz, pink tourmaline and rhodolite garnet) The glittery material on some of the hearts are Drusy. Each item retails from $3,000 to $4,000.

I caught up with Westwood and her husband and business partner, Sky Hall, at the Gem & Jewelry Exchange show in Tucson in February during a couple of pauses from the throngs of people viewing her signature designs. It was a long way from Gdańsk, Poland, where I first met the couple two years ago. Westwood was being honored by the Amberif International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones for her work. For the trade fair, she created a line of amber jewelry, adding yet another material to her vast palette. 

This single piece of ametrine is cut and carved like a cameo by Tom Munsteiner and framed with 18k and diamonds. This is a one of a kind and one piece. It retails for $23,500.