February 20, 2013
So what is a raw diamond anyways? The answer seems pretty straight forward. After all, when we think about the word “raw,” we think about things that are un-processed and free of modification.We think about a raw diamond thats fresh from the earth, untouched by the skilled hands of a diamond cutter.
In a proper diamond cutting factory, the raw stones are skillfully processed over time by the hands of many men and women. Each diamond cutter has a specific job title that coincides with each step of the process. The first stage is when the raw crystal is split into the best shape for cutting by a “cleaver” or a “sawyer,” the broken pieces are then given their outline shape by a “bruter,” the facets are then added by a “faceteer” and the final finish is added by a “polisher”. The result—a crystal clear cut diamond, like the ones you might see in today’s mainstream engagement jewelry.
But a raw diamond can have a story too. And no one can tell the story better than designer, Todd Reed.
TODD REED SHOWCASE
WHERE: Kevin Main Jewelry & Design Studio
WHEN: Thursday, March 14th | 10am-5:30pm
In 1992, Reed launched a collection under his own name and set out to change the future of the fine jewelry industry by designing solely with raw, uncut diamonds and recycled metals.
Why Raw Diamonds?
“Diamonds have always had the undeniable association with wealth and status, it seems that they have become more about commerce and less about the jeweler’s craft or their beauty in their natural form. I believe that the most perfect cut is still an uncut.”
“You can still be a diamond, but be unique and be natural”
What Inspires Your Work?
“I’m very inspired my nature, simple moves, leaves turning colors, leaves falling of a tree. And I play with the fact that we as humans want to change everything to define our own way or perfection.”
“I source ethically mined and socially responsible diamonds throughout the world. This has been a personal ethic for more than a decade before the phrase conflict free diamonds entered the public awareness.”
“Statements that I try to make about my jewelry are primarily about personal expression. To me, its the flaws in my own life that build me, its the flaws in the stones that make them. If this one stone doesn’t have this character, this flaw, this intuition—then I can’t tell it apart from the others.”
Through his collection’s evolution, one thing that Todd does not abandon is his dedication to the creation of art in every piece he designs. By contrasting unique materials and concepts, a wearable and accessible work of art emerges. In his designs, Todd pays homage to nature’s stunning, humbling creativity. Nature creates something so absolutely perfect, so beautiful, that it takes your breath away. Even the imperfections are essential to its overall wonder. With this belief as his foundation, he respects that neither gold nor diamonds require human intervention to be beautiful.
“It’s all about the material and how we can show it in its most intriguing light.”
All of Reed’s pieces are hand fabricated and finished in 18k gold, palladium, platinum, and silver at his Pearl Street studio by a team of exceptional goldsmiths working under Todd’s guidance.
As long time retailers and enthusiasts of Reed’s work, Kevin and Kathi Main themselves could not be more pleased to showcase this elegant collection. Please visit the showroom during normal business hours on Thursday, March 14th to try on the pieces you love most.
Appointments are encouraged.
info@kevinmain.com | 805-547-0662
