Intarsia 417

This polished intarsia contains layers of stone, with the center containing Montana Moss Agate, Peruvian Blue Opal, and Turquoise; completed with a double border frame and black backing. The cabochon is constructed from 12 individual pieces.  The scene in this intarsia is mainly created by the layer of Blue Opal, with accents from the additional layers. The matrix of the opal layer makes up the rocky mountain, while the translucent light blue above adds clouds to the sky. The turquoise back is able to show through the top half of the opal layer, giving the blue sky saturation. On top of these lies an exceptionally clear layer of Montana Moss Agate. This top layer is able to take a nice polish compared to the opal matrix, and also places a perfect black bird soaring in the sky. The double layer frame is constructed from slightly speckled African Queen Picture Jasper, and mahogany Red Jasper. The colors complement perfectly with the center, drawing on the warm tans and reds in the matrix of the Blue Opal. Backed with black basalt for a solid dark base and added strength, with an angled back bevel.  Center:  Montana Moss Agate Peruvian Blue Opal Turquoise Black Basalt Border:  African Queen Picture Jasper Red Jasper 39mm x 37mm   Intarsia: The Gem Shop’s founder, Eugene Mueller, has an MFA in painting and has won awards in the Cutting Edge Competition® for his intarsia, and has crafted and/or designed many of the pieces available here. For thousands of years artisans have been using stone, striving to create the most beautiful scene possible. This process is commonly referred to as Intarsia. Intarsia traces its history back to the Italian Renaissance, and was called pietra dura or pietre dure. This is a term for the inlay technique of using thinly cut and polished stones to create images. The stonework is glued stone-by-stone to a substrate after having previously been sliced and cut in different shape sections; and then assembled together so precisely that the contact between each section is practically invisible. Intarsia items are generally crafted on green, white or black base stones. Traditionally Intarsia pieces have a flat polish, but more contemporary pieces are more freeform and have a dome polish, and are often referred to as “composite cabochons.” Intarsia is a high expression of lapidary art requiring a close mastery. Each piece is eccentric and highly collectible – a true work of art. Learn more about Intarsia and its history, as well as Gene Mueller's work and artistry in the technique.