caged tourmaline under watch face glass and encased in oxidized sterling silver, from Carin Jones’ sought-after specimen collection, pendant approximately 2 inches in diameter
by Carin Jones of Jonesing for Jewelry
About the Artist
Carin Jones (Kuh-rin) is a Seattle area based artist that derives her inspiration from a zoological background, particularly years of collecting and cataloging specimens. As an architect’s daughter, she obsessively studies shapes and their interactions, notably those of elements not paired in nature.
In her Mineral & Marrow Series, Carin concentrates on an unexpected coupling of discarded bones and high end gemstones. While, at first glance this may seem contradictory, the partnership challenges the audience’s inclination to undervalue one material and overvalue the other. It clarifies the equality of elements – born of stardust and returning to stardust – and emphasizes the true value of the natural world.
Crafting materials commonly regarded as disposable into treasured pieces of wearable art challenges society’s perspective and, moreover, assists in realigning the audience’s standpoint.