Gallery - Ma Mo Jewelry Design

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“I adore Ma Mo, they have some of the most unique jewelry in Seattle made by the two owners Maurice and Morgan who are always extremely helpful, knowledgable and trustworthy.”

Jenifer M, Seattle WA

“We have been getting our jewelry needs at Ma Mo for quite some time. We bought our wedding rings there, after having shopped for quite a while. They are very helpful, courteous, and very knowledgeable about metals and stones. We’ve advised many friends and colleagues to go shop there.”

Robert D, Seattle WA

“It is obvious that Morgan and Maurice do what they do because they love it and are talented, and that’s it. They are your advocates and are amazingly talented and generous. Go to them!”

Shelby B, Seattle WA

The definition of Design is to arrange lines or sh

The definition of Design is to arrange lines or shapes to create a form or pattern.

Sculpting the design by hand in wax, great attention is paid to the soft contoured lines of this ring. Platinum flows to Gold seamlessly holding the near flawless natural ideal cut diamond securely in the warm 18 karat.

The satin finish runs parallel to the ring and the bezel brightly polished to emphasize the design.

Available on our website

#mamojewelry #diamondring #twotonering #waxcarver #lostwax #style #modernbride #engagementring #design #sculpture #handcarved #naturaldiamonds #independantdesigner #finejewelry #aprilbirthstone #jewelrydesign #platinum #18kgold #omega

Loop-de-loop A take on infinity .... One for the

Loop-de-loop

A take on infinity ....
One for the finger
One for the neck

#mamojewelry #infinity #waxcarver #lostwax #naturaldiamonds #diamondring #diamondpendant #independantdesigner #yellowgold #finejewelry #aprilbirthstone #engagementring #handcarved

Some say "they don't like diamonds". April is the

Some say "they don't like diamonds".

April is the month of the diamond and here at Ma Mo we love diamonds!

Natural, colorless, colored, florescent, sparkling, and even fancy cuts.

They are rare and expensive. It has to go through a lot to just be able to view one. Even if you don't care for them, you must admire their long history as beautiful objects of desire.

Just look at how many imitations there are, all trying to stand next to the real thing.

Image 1:
Diamond crystal on host rock.
Kimberlite is the main host matrix for diamonds. It is an igneous rock of a rare variant of peridotite.
It is named after the town of Kimberley in South Africa where the discovery of a diamond in 1869 spawned the diamond rush.

Image 4:
Is a cross section of kimberlite from South Africa. Olivine crystals in green with the rest of the matrix being clay minerals and carbonates, in the blue, purple, and buff colors.
Photo courtesy of FEI company CC BY-SA 3.0 QEMSCAN

Image 2&3:
A Ma Mo™️ design with a colorless diamond

The most unique member of the mineral kingdom,
the Diamond.

Visit GIA.edu for more diamond information

#mamojewelry #diamond #kimberlite #diamondcrystal #independantdesigner #giaalumni #aprilbirthstone #naturaldiamond

Getting to the point ... The reddest red gem, fa

Getting to the point ...

The reddest red gem, fancy shape of an arrow cut, paired with a natural baguette cut diamond.

Natural spinel, the most under appreciated gem. Often mistaken for a ruby.

Now in private collection

#mamojewelry
#spinel
#arrowhead #customjewelry #waxcarver #lostwax #independantdesigner

History of Jewelry : The Renaissance 1450 - 1600

History of Jewelry :
The Renaissance 1450 - 1600

Carved gems pre-date the time but during the Renaissance there was a revival. The late Medieval courts commissioned them as portraits, but now people had cabinets dedicated to curiosity with carved and engraved gems collected.

This brought a revival of the production in classical styles. Mythology and classic literature themes as well as inspiration from Renaissance paintings.

The shown intaglio gems are not from the Renaissance but are beautiful examples of the art of gem carving.

These would have been part of someones cabinet of curiosity during the Renaissance as they all pre-date the time.

Given the delicate attention to detail and beauty it is easy to see why these would be collected and prized.

Shown is the intaglio followed by it's wax impression.

1: 400 -350 B.C
Engraved Perseus wearing a winged diadem and winged sandals carrying spears.

2: 25 B.C
The bust of Demosthenes, Greek orator.
This is signed by the artist Dioskourides

3: 50 - 25 B.C
Herakles carrying the Cretan Bull over his shoulder, the seventh of his Labors. This gem is signed by the artist, Moschos. Set in a modern collectors swivel ring.

4: 425 - 400 B.C
Engraved Grasshopper on a stem of grass, surrounded by leaves. Carved on mottled yellow jasper, no artist signature. Greek origin

Images courtesy of the Getty museum collection.

#mamojewelry
#jewelryhistory #intaglio #carvedgemstone #cabinetofcuriosity #intagliogems #Renaissance

Bloodstone : The lesser known birthstone for Marc

Bloodstone : The lesser known birthstone for March

Don't be fooled by it's name, actually it's primarily a GREEN gemstone. The colors range from deep forest green to olive and some blueish green. Each stone has its own character and patterning making each unique.

The small patches of red (formed from iron oxides) is
"the blood".

It's considered a "lucky" stone and often used in charms.
Typically cut in cabochons, it carves well for intaglio or cameo style carvings as well.

2/3: Under the microscope we show a close up view of the red specs that look more like blooms.

#mamojewelry #bloodstone #bloodstonejewelry #luckygems #marchbirthstone #heliotrope #luckycharm #signetring #heraldry #coatofarms

Aquamarine, one of the birthstones for March. Th

Aquamarine, one of the birthstones for March.

This is the blue-green variety of the mineral Beryl. Emerald is the green to blueish green of the same mineral. Morganite is the pink variety of Beryl.

Aquamarine ranges from a pastel to a moderately strong dark blue to greenish- blue.

Aquamarine crystals can be found in large sizes and relatively clean. Making them valuable for collectors and gem carvers as well. Aquamarine crystals can range from tiny up to 100 pounds.

It can be clear of inclusions or have a milky clarity as Aquamarine's can also have a cat-eye effect.

See GIA.edu/aquamarine for more

Image 2: The center crystal was about the size of a can of soda roughly.

#mamojewelry
#aquamarine
#marchbirthstone #beryl #aquamarinecrystal #addmorecolortoyourlife #giaalumni

History of Jewelry: Late Medieval Period 1066 -

History of Jewelry:
Late Medieval Period 1066 - 1450 CE

Gold is important to Europeans but it holds less value elsewhere.

Genghis Khan and Montezuma rule vast empires that prize gemstones over metal.

1225 CE
Genghis Khan creates the largest empire in history. His people begin to desire agate, stringing dzi beads into necklaces and bracelets to ward off the feared evil eye and protect them.

1440 CE
Montezuma's Aztec empire is drenched in gold but Jade is the most valuable material of all.

The Aztecs believe Jade is as precious as the sky and water and that gold was simply the "waste of the gods".

1)
Aztec Turquoise mosaic mask

2)
Jadeite plaque of a Maya King

3)
Hongshan Culture Jade Pig Dragon
Mongolia

#mamojewelry #jade #jadeite #ancientjewelry #jewelryhistory #latemedieval #montezuma #aztec #maya #genghiskhan #wasteofthegods

Jewelry History: Early Middle Ages The Age of t

Jewelry History: Early Middle Ages

The Age of the Vikings
800 - 1050 CE

It was after the collapse of Rome. Known as the "Dark Ages" for many reasons. Declining populations, famine, wars, and the plague causes many to fight for their lives on a daily basis.

Islam spreads across the Middle East enjoying it's golden age.

The Mayans consider Jade a sign of wealth. They fashion nose pins, necklaces, anklets, and bracelets of jade.

The Vikings make jewelry featuring animals, nature, and begin geometric patterns. Filigree and repouss'e techniques begin to emerge.

A common design repeated among viking jewelry was "Thors Hammer".

Long before Marvel's depiction of Mjolnir there was historical preface. A symbol of destructive power of the storm, fire from heaven. But also protection against violence.
Not just a weapon but an instrument of blessing, concentration, and protection.

There are approximately 1000 known amulet artifacts shaped like Thors Hammer. Swipe left to see a couple of ours (4&5)

1) First hammer with runes found in NW Lolland

2) Silver viking treasure from Terslev
1708 silver Arab coins. 6.6 Kg of silver coins, necklace, bangles, chains, suit jewelry, cups and bowls.

3) Gold viking treasure from Faested. The gold weighs almost 1.5 kilo. Amongst the jewelry is a Roman gold coin struck for Emperor Honorius (393-423) photo Robert Fortuna

4) Gold Hammer in private collection, a Ma Mo Original

5) Silver in quartz hammer, available on our website
One-of-a-kind

#mamojewelry #jewelryhistory #ancientjewelry #vikingjewelry #thorshammer #mjolnir #amulet #hammerofthegods

Born in February? Amethyst is your birthstone!!

Born in February? Amethyst is your birthstone!!

The world's most popular gem.

This rough gemstone embodies creativity and imagination because it can be cabbed, carved, or faceted.

A vibrant, captivating color, amethyst is the red and blue lines combined to create infinite shades of purple.

Royal, mysterious, alluring, and "plum crazy".

Rich deep hues, associate the colors with nobility and luxury.

#mamojewelry #amethyst #amethystgoldring #luxury #purplegemstone #februarybirthstone #quartz

History of Jewelry: Ending of the Classic Age 1

History of Jewelry:

Ending of the Classic Age
100 - 500 CE

Jade was central to a ritual system in China. It served a power-denoting function for religious use having cosmic significance.

During the Qin & Han Dynasty,
Jade increased in everyday use. Carved stylized designs were worn to encourage good luck, wealth, health, and prosperity.

Jade was regarded as an auspicious element that could guard against evil.

Natural attributes of Jade; smoothness, clear sound, toughness, soft and warm color, were equated to a virtuous man.

Jade 1-3 from the warring states period
403 - 221 BC

As we approach the year of the wood dragon we thought it appropriate to show some of the first dragon carvings in Jade.

#mamojewelry #jadeite #historyofjade #historyofjewelry #ancientjewelry #yearofthedragon #jadedragon

The Late Classical Age: 100 BCE - 500 CE The Si

The Late Classical Age:
100 BCE - 500 CE

The Silk Road winds it's way from China to the Mediterranean bringing Silk, Gold, Ivory and more.

Upon the trade winds gemstones and new ideas are brought to distant cities. Benefiting from this global marketplace are the powerful rulers, Emperors of the Indian subcontinent and Cleopatra, the last ruling Egyptian pharaoh.

1: 247 BCE - 228 CE
Parthian Empire, reaching from Iran, to Afghanistan, to Palestine. These gold earrings contain Garnet cabochons.

2: 50 BCE
Emeralds were Cleopatra's favorite. The mines from which they came we called "Cleopatra's Mines". She loved Emeralds but her Pearl earrings became legendary.

3: 400 CE
Chandragupta ll
Chandragupta ll supported the arts during India's Golden Age. Refining metallurgy and issuing gold coins throughout his empire.

#mamojewelry #parthian #cleopatra #chandragupta #ancientjewelry #lateclassicalage #jewelryhistory #silkroad #goldjewelry

They say, "you can't take it with you". During th

They say, "you can't take it with you".

During the early classical age, 600 - 100 BCE the Emperor's in China during the Han Dynasty seemed to want to try.

Jade body suits have been found covering the deceased head to toe. The most opulent type of funeral.

About 20 known suits have been uncovered with different types of materials binding them together.

The most complete suit discovered was the Han Dynasty Prince, Liu Sheng. Over 2,498 individual, hand crafted pieces of jade were sewn together with over two pounds of gold wire.

The type of wire used was dependent on status. Gold, silver, copper, and silk were used as binders.

The early Han rulers believed the Jade would preserve the physical body and the souls attached to the dead.

The Chinese have developed a fascination with Jade as far back as 6000 BC.

This suit is in the National Museum of China, Beijing

#mamojewelry
#jade #jewelryhistory #handynasty #jadeburialsuit #afterlife #bodyjewelry #earlyclassicalera #suit

Iron Age and Early Classical history of jewelry:

Iron Age and Early Classical history of jewelry:

The world's civilizations begin to mature. Greece and Rome rule the western world. Royal Dynasty are established in Asia. American Natives turn settlements into thriving centers of trade.

Across the globe the people of the early classical world all share a common love....... Jewelry and Precious Metals.

Pieces of beauty and complexity are produced to be worn for adornment.

200 BCE La Tolita Culture

#1: Sun god Inti. This mask was produced out of a sheet of gold, stamped, shaped, and cut. At the end of the rays you can see a person. Early south American culture produced gold works with great artistry. Gem carvers shaped stones and bones, while craftsman used clay furnaces to melt silver and gold. Image courtesy of orintalizing

330 BCE

#2: Roman Buckle. Two swans facing inwards and the incredible detail of the face and use of gold beads and floral accents.

Increasing complexity of jewelry designs developed as Alexander the great rules Greece.

Exotic gems from around the world are brought to Greece by trade along the ancient silk road.

300 BCE Hellenistic period

#3: Herakles knot armband decorated with flowers and inlay of garnet, emerald, and enamel.

The Roman writer Pliny wrote the decoration of the Herakles knot could cure wounds. It was often used to symbolize marriage.
Courtesy of Met Museum

#4: Hellenistic Greek snake gold armbands.

475-400 BCE Iron Age

#5 & #6-7: Gold Torc. Notice the dots on the facing discs, the fine details.
Silver torc. Incredible detail and design are shown on this example.

Neck rings are worn by both men and women. Often seen as a symbol of rank status or divinity while also offering protection. Celtic artists would depict deities wearing or holding these types of rings.

Image 2,4,5-7 are found in the Altes Museum of Berlin

#mamojewelry
#jewelryhistory
#ironagejewelry
#hellenisticjewelry #latolita #sungod #ancientjewelry #greekjewelry #romanjewelry #celticjewelry #heraklesknot

Continuing with the history of jewelry we come to

Continuing with the history of jewelry we come to The metal ages:

Starting with the Bronze Age
3200 - 600 BCE

Civilization begins: Art, Architecture, and of course Jewelry start to flourish.

Ancient Egypt is the most famous but sophisticated jewelry was crafted in Greece, Syria, Iraq, and Ireland. Reaching new levels of metallurgy, artistry, and craftsmanship.

Images
1&2: 600 BCE, Princess of Vix. A finely carved Torc of pure gold weighing 480 grams. The torc ends with an animal foot with fine detailed winged horse. The princess was buried and adorned with armlets of gold, a bronze anklet, necklaces of Amber, Serpentine, and 24 karat gold. The jewelry was locally made (France) with Mediterranean features in the design. This awesome archeological find is probably the most valuable Celtic necklace ever fashioned with over a pound of pure gold.
Images courtesy of Karsten Wentink

3: 1325 BCE, King Tut, Egypts most famous King. His tomb overflowed with over 50,000 treasures. Anklets, bracelets, and necklaces fashioned from Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, Turquoise, Quartz, and Ivory. This scarab necklace was around the neck of the mummy of King Tut when they opened the gold sarcophagus.
Image courtesy of Tjflex2

4: 2600 BCE, Queen Puabi of Ur, (modern day Iraq). The most lavish Mesopotamian tomb ever found. Of the many items discovered was the golden headdress made of a large gold comb, golden leaves and stings of Lapis and Carnelian. Large gold earrings and a necklace of beads that went from shoulder to waist. Also 10 rings, belts, plates, and tableware in gold and silver.

5: 3200 BCE, Queen Shubad of Ur, (modern day Iraq). Queen Shubad wore this pinnacle piece of jewelry, a Crown.
20 dangling gold leaves and large gold hoop earrings. Made more than 4 millennia ago. A testimony of the craftsmanship of the time. A large gold flower comb above, then ribbons of gold surround her head with a final circle of leaves, flowers, Lapis and gold rings.
Image 4&5 Courtney of Penn Museum
@pennmuseum

#mamojewelry
#jewelryhistory
#torc #ancientjewelry
#bronzeage #ancientmetallurgy #queenshubad #queenpuabi #kingtut #princessofvix #celticjewelry #goldjew

Since the beginning of humankind we have adorned o

Since the beginning of humankind we have adorned ourselves.

Long before mankind communicated with the written word in symbols and letters, there was jewelry.

Made, collected, and given as tokens of affection.

Archaeological finds from the Stone Age, Ice Age, and earlier times show examples of jewelry. Teeth, seashells, bone, agate, and even gold.

Pre-history adornment 100,000 - 3200 BCE

Image 3- we were told the tooth on the left is a sperm whale, anyone have an idea of the origin of the other?

Image 2&4- Smithsonian examples of seashell beads

Image 5- 4500 BCE Varna Necropolis in Bulgaria. This is worlds oldest gold jewelry. The pieces pre-date Egypt by thousands of years. Gold bracelets and discs, agate beads, seashells, copper.

See our stories for some great posts with more pictures and information regarding Varna jewelry.

#mamojewelry #ancientjewelry #prehistoryofjewelry #artifacts #ancientdecoration #ancientbeads #agate #shellbeads #whaletooth #varna #jewelryhistory #smithsonian #giaalumni #gia

Happy New Year! #mamojewelry #waxcarver #lostwax

Happy New Year!

#mamojewelry #waxcarver #lostwax #grstools #newyear #2024 #independantdesigner #font

It is time to sharpen tools and clean my bench. I

It is time to sharpen tools and clean my bench.

I was better about cleaning up my wax bits rather than shoving them into the back corner this year. Always trying to keep better organized....

So I made my selection from the scraps to carve the new year numbers out. I have always been fond of fonts and lettering. While in Design school I hand lettered a font a week for months. So, this has become something I look forward to joining my carving with a lettering style. Only limited by my scraps to make it more challenging on myself.

Just a reminder of this year's scraps and numbers, before we bid farewell to 2023

Stay tuned for what I come up with!

#mamojewelry #waxcarver #lostwax #independantdesigner #handcarved #design #funwithfonts #lettering #font

The workshop has closed We wish you all a Merry C

The workshop has closed

We wish you all a Merry Christmas 🎄

#mamojewelry #independantdesigner #misfits #christmas

There is a saying: "Gold is valuable but Jade is

There is a saying:
"Gold is valuable but Jade is priceless"

Jadeite comes in a variety of colors, but green is the most desirable.

#mamojewelry #jadeite #jadering #mensring #modernbride #independantdesigner #stoneofheaven #gentelmanstyle

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