RUTHROCKS, Jenison, MI
My husband & I sold our home in Dorr, Michigan and headed West in our fifth wheel trailer April 12, 2007. We landed at a RV Park in Wickenburg, AZ, (about 55 miles NW of Phoenix). Verlo & I decided to try our hand at prospecting; we really enjoy being out doors and getting some exercise. We haven't found much gold, but I found a few beautiful rocks while we were in the desert.
After seeing some of the beautiful wire-wrapped gem stone jewelry created by a couple of our new friends, I decided that I would like to try my hand at this art. I've always loved rocks, so it seemed quite natural for me.
RUTHROCKS originated 2 yrs ago (April, 2008) in Phoenix, AZ. I took a lapidary class at the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum to learn how to shape & polish cabochons. I continued on with my training by taking a wire-wrapping class given by the Wickenburg Gem & Mineral Society. I have also used various other means to gain & hone my skills, (ie, DVD's & Internet access, and just plain practice). My husband, Verlo, is a great help to me because he slabs the rocks into manageable 1/4 iinch slices. Although we have found a few rocks worthy of becoming gemstones, we purchase most of our rocks at Quartzsite, Arizona; they have a huge show there in February every year.
The slabs are then converted to gemstones. I draw a shape on the slab & Verlo rough-cuts around the drawing. With the help of the "Genie" (a miraculous machine with 6 different diamond grinding & polishing wheels), I grind, sand & polish the piece into a cabochon or a freeform gemstone.
I use only fine quality precious metal wire. I wrap my gemstones in either 14K Gold, Argentium Silver, or Sterling Silver wire.
The majority of our stock are pendants. I'm adding more variety to my creations though. We now have increasing amounts of earrings and bracelets. I also offer neck rings; and gold, silver & rhodium chains for customer convenience.
Oh yes, we still go prospecting; this is my husbands passion, and I enjoy it too (sometimes). The main reason I like to go is for the exercise; prospecting is hard work when using a dry washer.
I like to give credit to my "Rock", Jesus Christ, who is the Rock of my salvation; this Business is going where He wants it to go.
