Gemstones and Jewelry Inspired By Nature
Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA; courtesy of Jeff Bilgore, LLC.
Figure 2. A platinum pendant featuring 13 natural colored diamonds (6.31 carats total)
with an 18K yellow gold and platinum chain featuring 36 oval fancy color diamonds
(4.23 carats total). Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA; courtesy of Jeff Bilgore, LLC.
After viewing the selection of carefully curated gemstones, one becomes aware of the entwined themes of art and nature. Bilgore espouses the principle of biophilia, the belief that humans intuitively respond positively to nature. Rather than viewing gemstones as inanimate objects, Bilgore sees them as part of nature, and he displays many of the gemstones and jewelry pieces with a tiny easel featuring an associated image (figure 3). A 5.69 ct Australian crystal opal, exhibiting play-of-color in all hues, was displayed with an image of the aurora borealis. Some of the other images are Bilgore’s own photos, taken in his garden or while hiking. In a further nod to nature, the design of the colored diamond panel pendant was inspired by the Golden Mean and the Fibonacci series, mathematical relationships often found in nature and incorporated into manmade creations as diverse as music and architecture.with an 18K yellow gold and platinum chain featuring 36 oval fancy color diamonds
(4.23 carats total). Photo by Robert Weldon/GIA; courtesy of Jeff Bilgore, LLC.
A 5.69 ct Australian crystal opal is accompanied by an image of the aurora borealis on a tiny easel. Photo by Towfiq Ahmed; courtesy of Jeff Bilgore, LLC.
