Steve Walters Hand-Carved Mexican Opal, Jade, 18k Gold, and Mother of Pearl Sculpture - Custom Designer Free-Form rectangular
The Piece
Up for auction/sale is a masterful, hand-carved Mexican Opal, Jade, 18k Gold, 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.
In this elegant multi-media assemblage, Walters orchestrates a delicate conversation between light and texture. The ethereal fire of the Mexican Opal is beautifully juxtaposed against the soft, iridescent glow of Mother of Pearl, creating a play of light that feels almost fluid. The inclusion of 18k Gold serves as both a structural anchor and a warm visual accent, bridging the transition between the vibrant opal and the serene, grounded presence of the Jade. This rectangular free-form composition highlights Walters’ surgical precision in joining disparate materials into a singular, harmonious form. At 37.6mm in length, it offers a sophisticated, slender silhouette that is perfectly balanced for high-end custom jewelry, representing a rare opportunity to own a master-carved 'mosaic' from an iconic era of American lapidary art.
Artist: Steve Walters
Gemstone: Mexican Opal, Jade, 18k Gold, and Mother of Pearl
Weight: 25.5ct
Dimensions: 37.6x12.1x8.6mm
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, Jade, 18k Gold, and Mother of Pearl Sculpture - Custom Designer Free-Form rectangular
The Piece
Up for auction/sale is a masterful, hand-carved Mexican Opal, Jade, 18k Gold, 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.
In this elegant multi-media assemblage, Walters orchestrates a delicate conversation between light and texture. The ethereal fire of the Mexican Opal is beautifully juxtaposed against the soft, iridescent glow of Mother of Pearl, creating a play of light that feels almost fluid. The inclusion of 18k Gold serves as both a structural anchor and a warm visual accent, bridging the transition between the vibrant opal and the serene, grounded presence of the Jade. This rectangular free-form composition highlights Walters’ surgical precision in joining disparate materials into a singular, harmonious form. At 37.6mm in length, it offers a sophisticated, slender silhouette that is perfectly balanced for high-end custom jewelry, representing a rare opportunity to own a master-carved 'mosaic' from an iconic era of American lapidary art.
Artist: Steve Walters
Gemstone: Mexican Opal, Jade, 18k Gold, and Mother of Pearl
Weight: 25.5ct
Dimensions: 37.6x12.1x8.6mm
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.
