Steve Walters Hand-Carved Mexican Opal, 18k Gold, Jade, Psilomelane, and Mother of Pearl Sculpture - Custom Designer Free-Form rectangular
The Piece
Up for auction/sale is a masterful, hand-carved Mexican Opal, 18k Gold, Jade, Psilomelane, and Mother of Pearl Sculpture creation by the award-winning lapidary artist Steve Walters. Known for his revolutionary "sculptural" approach to gemstones, this piece exemplifies his ability to blend raw natural beauty with sophisticated, free-hand geometry.
This assemblage is a masterclass in 'light vs. shadow,' utilizing the deep, metallic luster of Psilomelane to anchor the ethereal play-of-color found in the Mexican Opal. Walters’ inclusion of 18k Gold as a structural and aesthetic element elevates this from a gemstone carving to a multi-media sculpture, creating a radiant 'seam' that guides the eye across the rectangular landscape. The transition between the matte richness of the Jade and the luminizing effect of the Opal demonstrates a level of technical precision rarely seen in the lapidary world. By balancing these materials, Walters captures a celestial aesthetic—making this 65-carat piece a significant, 'anchor' specimen for any serious collection of modern American lapidary art.
Artist: Steve Walters
Gemstone: Mexican Opal, 18k Gold, Jade, Psilomelane, and Mother of Pearl
Weight: 65ct
Dimensions: 45.1x19.3x6.5mm
Cut Style: Signature Steve Walters Free-Form / Fantasy Cut
Craftsmanship & Quality
This is not a machine-cut stone. This is a one-of-a-kind designer piece featuring:
Exceptional Material: Carefully selected for its color, artistry and boldness
Hand-Carved Excellence: Smooth, flowing lines and high-polish finishes that are hallmarks of Walters’ work.
Versatility: Perfect as a centerpiece for a high-end custom jewelry commission or as a standalone addition to a connoisseur's mineral collection.
This museum-quality work is hand-signed by the artist and features his three hallmark technical achievements:
Zero-Tolerance Inlay: Surgical, "gapless" joinery of disparate materials including gold, titanium, and gemstones.
Framed Internal Landscapes: Walters utilizes the structural minerals to act as a gallery frame, meticulously directing light to "window" the rare gem inclusions.
Tactile Sculpture: A masterful interplay of deep, negative-space carvings and high-polish finishes designed for a multi-sensory, architectural feel.
Condition
This gemstone is in excellent condition as originally purchased, never used in any designs. Please refer to the high-resolution photos to appreciate the internal patterns and the artist's intricate carving details.
Steve Walters Hand-Carved Mexican Opal, 18k Gold, Jade, Psilomelane, and Mother of Pearl Sculpture - Custom Designer Free-Form rectangular
The Piece
Up for auction/sale is a masterful, hand-carved Mexican Opal, 18k Gold, Jade, Psilomelane, and Mother of Pearl Sculpture creation by the award-winning lapidary artist Steve Walters. Known for his revolutionary "sculptural" approach to gemstones, this piece exemplifies his ability to blend raw natural beauty with sophisticated, free-hand geometry.
This assemblage is a masterclass in 'light vs. shadow,' utilizing the deep, metallic luster of Psilomelane to anchor the ethereal play-of-color found in the Mexican Opal. Walters’ inclusion of 18k Gold as a structural and aesthetic element elevates this from a gemstone carving to a multi-media sculpture, creating a radiant 'seam' that guides the eye across the rectangular landscape. The transition between the matte richness of the Jade and the luminizing effect of the Opal demonstrates a level of technical precision rarely seen in the lapidary world. By balancing these materials, Walters captures a celestial aesthetic—making this 65-carat piece a significant, 'anchor' specimen for any serious collection of modern American lapidary art.
Artist: Steve Walters
Gemstone: Mexican Opal, 18k Gold, Jade, Psilomelane, and Mother of Pearl
Weight: 65ct
Dimensions: 45.1x19.3x6.5mm
Cut Style: Signature Steve Walters Free-Form / Fantasy Cut
Craftsmanship & Quality
This is not a machine-cut stone. This is a one-of-a-kind designer piece featuring:
Exceptional Material: Carefully selected for its color, artistry and boldness
Hand-Carved Excellence: Smooth, flowing lines and high-polish finishes that are hallmarks of Walters’ work.
Versatility: Perfect as a centerpiece for a high-end custom jewelry commission or as a standalone addition to a connoisseur's mineral collection.
This museum-quality work is hand-signed by the artist and features his three hallmark technical achievements:
Zero-Tolerance Inlay: Surgical, "gapless" joinery of disparate materials including gold, titanium, and gemstones.
Framed Internal Landscapes: Walters utilizes the structural minerals to act as a gallery frame, meticulously directing light to "window" the rare gem inclusions.
Tactile Sculpture: A masterful interplay of deep, negative-space carvings and high-polish finishes designed for a multi-sensory, architectural feel.
Condition
This gemstone is in excellent condition as originally purchased, never used in any designs. Please refer to the high-resolution photos to appreciate the internal patterns and the artist's intricate carving details.
