I've always been captivated by the raw beauty of gemstones and the transformative power of metals. Each piece I create is a labour of love, infused with my passion for craftsmanship and my deep connection to the materials I work with. Let me take you on a journey through my favourite gems and materials, as I share the stories and inspirations behind each choice.
A Passion for Gems: Dendritic Agates, Opals, and Tourmaline
When it comes to gemstones, I find myself drawn time and time again to the enchanting allure of dendritic agates and opals. There's something inherently grounding about the earthy quality of dendritic agates, and I'm endlessly fascinated by the intricate formations within each stone. Whether it's creating mismatched pairings or admiring the subtle differences in book-matched pairs, working with dendritic agates is a journey of discovery.
Opals, on the other hand, mesmerize me with their captivating play of colour and light. From flashes of iridescent blues to fiery oranges, each opal tells a story of its own, weaving a tapestry of beauty that never fails to inspire me. I love how their play of colour offsets the texture of my silver and gold settings, adding depth and dimension to every piece.
And let's not forget about tourmaline—the gem that stole my heart from the very beginning. There's a certain magic in the way tourmaline embodies the essence of nature, with its vibrant hues echoing the colours of the world around us. Whether it's a delicate pink tourmaline or a rich green specimen, each stone holds a special place in my collection, reminding me of the wonders of the natural world.
Crafting with Care: Silver and Yellow Gold
When it comes to working with metals, silver was my first love—and to this day, it remains a staple in my work. There's something inherently forgiving about silver, and I love the softness of fine .999 silver when crafting gem settings. But as much as I adore silver, it's the warm hues of yellow gold that truly speak to my soul. Growing up in a traditional Italian family, I was surrounded by the rich tones of 18 and 22K gold, and they've always held a special place in my heart. Despite the challenges of working with gold, there's a sense of warmth and luxury that comes with every piece, making it all worthwhile in the end.
The Art of Alignment
For me, the choice of gems and materials is about more than just aesthetics—it's about storytelling. One memorable project that perfectly encapsulates this philosophy is the Poet Earrings from my Inferno Collection. A mismatched pairing that defied expectations, these earrings were a labour of love from start to finish. Making them was a journey of intuition and experimentation, where every stone and every metal played a part in bringing my vision to life. And when I finally saw the finished pair, they took my breath away—a true testament to the power of creativity and craftsmanship.
A Commitment to Conscious Sourcing
In today's world, sustainability and ethics are more important than ever. That's why I take great care in sourcing my materials from trusted suppliers who share my values. Whether it's forging close relationships with gem dealers or seeking out antique coral beads to minimize my impact on the environment, every decision I make is guided by a commitment to ethical sourcing and conscious consumption. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about creating beautiful jewellery—it's about honouring the natural world in a way that future generations may continue to enjoy.
Looking to the Future: Exploring New Horizons
As I look to the future, I'm excited to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of my craft. One material that has recently captured my attention is antique Italian coral beads. I've incorporated them into the designs for my Beatrice Ring and Beatrice Paradiso Statement Earrings, alongside 18K yellow gold and aquamarine.
With memories of childhood summers spent with my Italian family woven into every strand, these beads hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait to incorporate them into future designs and see where this new journey takes me. Like a child adding sprinkles to ice cream, I'm bubbling with excitement at the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
In the world of Lori Francescutti, each piece tells a story—a story of passion, creativity, and connection. From the raw beauty of dendritic agates to the warm embrace of yellow gold, every gem and material has a tale to tell. It's my privilege to bring those stories to life, one piece at a time.