Rocks of Ages - Canadian Shield Jewelry, Simply

Dave is a 70-ish man with many life experiences behind him. He seeks now to engage in quieter pastimes and to gently explore new opportunities. He is an accomplished photographer – his images can be seen at www.noble-resolutions.ca.

Dave’s venture into jewelry began as he toured the Ottawa area searching for fossils for his grandchildren - there are fossils in abundance, but near-microscopic in size.

But everywhere there were rocks that were incredibly attractive and seemingly endless in their ranges of colours and textures.

This is the Canadian Shield to be celebrated in its beauty and its strength.

So Dave has moved into finding and preparing rocks (breaking up, tumbling, and polishing), and mounting them as the centrepieces of simple jewelry – earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Most of the jewelry-making supplies are from wholesalers, but some, necklace chains in particular, are repurposed from thrift stores, offering new homes to experienced jewelry.

Dave does not think of himself as a jeweler – certainly not a silversmith or goldsmith. Rather he is an avid admirer of the wonderful textures and colours to be found locally, with the opportunity to create simple jewelry for the enjoyment of all genders and ages.

There are guest appearances of gems and stones from offshore which add to the attractiveness of the collection without diminishing the beauty of the Canadian Shield components.

Except for manufactured cabochon stones and gemstone beads, very little adjustment has been made to these rocks – they are in their natural unique rugged form and beauty, as Canadian as the Group of Seven.

He hopes you have as much pleasure in viewing and wearing these pieces as he has had in making them.