Two for the Road

Tomorrow is the Irish Derby at the curragh. The word curragh means "where the horses run" in Gaelic. It will be the last of a number of events during this trip that have involved horse or agriculture fairs. Today was spent photographing the interesting characters showing prize cattle and poultry at Charleville on the road to Cork. I have noticed recently that the two things that I like to purchase more then anything, are animals and gemstones. They may seem diametrically opposed however to me they are really very similar. They both represent the beginning of a relationship that evolves far beyond the purchase. So much love and time goes into making that young horse or puppy fulfill its potential, and the same thing goes for gemstones, both must be nurtured and treated in ways that they dictate. A number of times I have told clients that it may take a bit of time to complete their commission because the stones I have chosen will dictate how the piece will evolve. Stones and their unique luster dictate their own settings due to the nuance and subtleties that the secondary tones reflect or refract, getting the combination right is about trial and error and patience. The creation of a piece can be a long process and over that time the jeweler can feel a bit of a deeper understanding of his medium. I have felt bits of sadness selling expensive pieces of jewelry. They represent something more than tangible objects, it goes much deeper than that. I remember every single stone that I have ever bought and used in a piece of jewelry and where I bought it; not really sure that is normal, but it's true. The stones, like all of my animals, have become an intimate part of my life and I'm proud of them. Animals are similar to stones in that the same idea of patience and love goes into your relationship with them. Each animal is different and requires a unique approach to build your relationship. I was so proud of the mare Blueberry the other day as we cantered through the apple orchard and walked the Boreen. The rider makes the rules yet takes into account the individual that is their partner. I'm fairly certain the reader can relate to the powerful relationship we have with our pets and beasts of burden. I do not like people that don't like animals, they have no empathy and no art. There have been many times at the racetrack when I have been choked up by the gallantry of a horse either in defeat or victory. I see all the time and love it took to make that happen, all the intuition and nature. Perhaps jewelry tends to represent the people that wear it because of the time spent making it and the love of wearing it. From my end, pieces are built with a sense of stewardship. It is my honor and obligation to enhance what nature creates, and it is a great joy to do so. It will be my first Irish Derby tomorrow, but more importantly a memory that will stick with me, much like the stones I find.