“Rock My World” Chat With “Rock Hound” Pamela Huizenga

Pamela Huizenga is one of those amazing designers, who takes the most incredible gemstones mother nature can produce and then sets them into wearable art. I’m always dazzled by the designs she comes up with and the the unique types of stones she often uses.

Of course I had to ask her to be a part of the “Rock My world” series and she so graciously obliged. She answered a few of my questions below.

Pamela Huizenga 18k yellow gold Ring with Australian Boulder Opal and Diamonds
Pamela Huizenga 18k yellow gold Ring with Australian Boulder Opal and Diamonds
Tell me about working with gemstones; what’s your favorite part? With raw stones, I love the natural beauty of them, the potential for even more and knowing that they were IN the earth! With cut or finished stones its the awe i feel when holding them. I’m just obsessed with them.
Do you have a favorite gem? If so what?
Oh boy, that’s a hard question … favorite gem , hmmmmm I do LOVE opals and love to cut them, I love the mystery they hold within them.
Pamela Huizenga 18k gold earrings with long Fossilized Oak, white rose cut diamonds, Black Rose cut diamonds and white diamond frames.
Pamela Huizenga 18k gold earrings with long Fossilized Oak, white rose cut diamonds, Black Rose cut diamonds and white diamond frames.
What are some of the challenges of working with rarer stones and rocks?
Cutting the rarer or more expensive stones is always stressful, one wrong move and CRACK! I’ve had a gorgeous opal go wizzzzzzing across the room, crashing into the wall and fall into about 10 pieces! So, you learn to slow down, take extra precautions and hope for the best. After the cutting is done, the stress isn’t over though, now it has to be set! Luckily I don’t do that part and trust my stones to the expert goldsmiths I am honored to work with! We installed these amazing floors throughout my studio, just to protect against dropped stones and jewelry … they are a life saver!!
What is it about gemstones, rocks and minerals do you think that people are so attracted to?
For many people it is the simple fact that they are pretty to look at … which is very true. For others it is their mystery, the uniqueness of the stones, the feeling you get when you look at it or touch it.
Pamela Huizenga 18K Gold Earrings with Fossil Trilobites, Pink Zircon, Xaxim, and Diamonds
Pamela Huizenga 18K Gold Earrings with Fossil Trilobites, Pink Zircon, Xaxim, and Diamonds

Thanks again to Pamela for taking the time to chat with me. Check out more at her website or follow her on Instagram and Twitter to see more of her luscious creations!

Don’t forget to follow @thegemtherapist on Instagram to see all the gorgeousness I’m posting for my #31daysofopal. You can also tag me in your #opaloctober photos by using my handle and tagging #31daysofopal.