Carved Gems: Inspiration & Expertise
Book Review by Eric J. Hoffman
by Helen Serras-Herman, Helen Serras-Herman and Gem Art Center, Rio Rico, AZ. 160 pages, color illus. 9 x 6 inches. $29.95 + $5.00 s/h
Gem carving is among the most difficult of the arts. The gem carver can only remove material, never add. Tiny errors can have major consequences. The material itself may be hard, tough, brittle, or filled with troublesome inclusions. The work is at a tiny scale, usually performed under dripping water. If you’ve ever wondered how someone gets started in this challenging field, or even wished to try your hand at it yourself, this may be the book for you.
The author begins with an in-depth autobiography that provides insight into her creations and leads, ultimately, to her ascending the field of gem carving. Included are lessons learned from her teachers (she now teaches gem carving herself) and inspirations and influences from life itself. All her gem sculptures “tell a story” and she has exhibited in over 400 venues.
The author’s process of creating a gem carving is fully described, from initial conception, through sketches, and all the way through to final polishing. Topics include favorite gem materials and cameo and intaglio work. There are even sections on how to properly mount, display, price, and sell gem carvings. All this is supported by the book’s more than 300 color illustrations (small, of course, as limited by the size of the book).
The final portion of the book consists of a thorough technical discussion of the tools and techniques of gem carving, very useful for the beginner. The author names and cites details, even to the point of mentioning which grit sizes to use when.
The well-known Tucson gem and mineral shows, held every February, are discussed in detail, along with the less famous Quartzsite shows. A useful 20-item checklist will help you navigate these massive events.
If you have ever wondered about gem carving, or just want to appreciate it better, you would enjoy this book.
Copyright © 2023 by Eric J. Hoffman (Home Page)
Originally published in ASJRA Newsletter, March 2023.