Are all 3fishstones pieces handmade?
Yes. Each stone is individually shaped and polished by hand. I work with the natural character of the stone rather than trying to make every piece identical. The shape, markings, inclusions and colour variations all influence the finished piece, which means no two are exactly alike.
What does 'hand-shaped' mean?
Hand-shaping is a slow lapidary process. I start with rough stone, cut into slabs and gradually cut, grind, shape, sand and polish it to reveal its colour, pattern and natural character. Rather than starting with a predetermined shape, I often let the stone determine what the finished form will become.
Why aren't your stones perfectly symmetrical?
Many 3fishstones pieces are deliberately freeform. Natural stone often contains beautiful variations, veins, inclusions and changes in colour. I shape around these features rather than cutting them away. The result is a piece that retains more of the personality of the original stone.
Are the stones natural?
Yes. I only work with natural stone rather than synthetic or imitation gemstones. Where relevant, individual product descriptions identify the stone, its origin and the natural characteristics visible in the piece.
Where do your stones come from?
Australian stone is a particular focus of 3fishstones. I work with materials including Western Australian Chrysoprase, NSW Nephrite Jade and Rhodonite, Northern Territory Prehnite and locally fossicked Northern Rivers Chalcedony and Carnelian, alongside selected stones from other parts of the world. Where the provenance of a stone is known, I include it in the individual piece description.
What are inclusions, veins and natural markings? Are they flaws?
Usually, no. Natural stone can contain mineral inclusions, veins, dendrites, colour variations, small pits and other features formed during its geological history. I often deliberately preserve these characteristics because they're part of what makes an individual stone interesting. Any feature that I believe affects the integrity of a piece will be clearly described.
Will my piece look exactly like the photographs?
The piece shown is the actual piece you will receive unless otherwise stated. I photograph each one individually because every stone is different. Colour can vary slightly between screens and lighting conditions, but I aim to represent the stone as accurately as possible.
Why do some stones look different in different light?
Natural gemstones can change considerably between sunlight, shade and indoor lighting. Translucent stones such as Chrysoprase can be especially responsive to light, revealing internal patterns and variations that aren't always visible from one angle.
How do you decide what shape a stone will become?
Sometimes I have a shape in mind, but often the rough stone makes that decision for me. I look at its colour, grain, inclusions, fractures and natural outline and gradually work toward a form that best reveals those characteristics.
Why is every 3fishstones piece one of a kind?
Even stones from the same deposit can have completely different colour, pattern and mineral inclusions. Because each piece is individually shaped rather than cut to a standard template, once a particular piece is sold it generally can't be reproduced exactly.
How are the pendants finished?
Each stone progresses through increasingly fine stages of sanding and polishing until I achieve the finish that suits that particular material. Some stones take a high gloss, while others are more beautiful with a softer natural polish. I will never use lacquer or sealer.
Why do you use hemp and cotton cords?
I like natural materials that complement the stone rather than compete with it. Many of my pendants are finished on hand-plaited hemp or cotton cords, creating a simple, earthy setting that keeps the stone itself as the focus. Longer heavier pieces are attached with brown or black leather cord.
How should I care for my stone jewellery?
Treat your piece as you would any natural gemstone. Avoid dropping it onto hard surfaces and prolonged exposure to chemicals, perfumes and household cleaners. When you're not wearing it, store it somewhere protected from knocks and scratches. Individual stones can have different hardness and care requirements, so please contact me if you're unsure about a particular piece. I can reshape pieces if they were dropped. Contact me.
How do I know what size the pendant really is?
Measurements are included in each product description. Where possible, photographs also provide a sense of scale.
Is the piece I'm buying really the only one available?
For one-of-a-kind pieces, yes. The photographs and description relate to that individual stone. Once it sells, that exact combination of shape, markings and colour is gone.
Why do you primarily work with Australian stone?
Australia has extraordinary deposit of material and I love the sense of place working with Australian Chrysoprase, Nephrite Jade, Rhodonite, Prehnite, Chalcedony and Carnelian.
