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Jay Herbert West has always admired gem-quality opal. He was first attracted to opals because of the wide range of magnificent color and the natural uniqueness of each stone. In the 1960?s he made his first purchase, a vividly bright Mexican fire opal, and then decided to take instruction to create a gold ring showing off this beautiful stone. From this beginning he has apprenticed with noted jewelry designers and goldsmiths and has succeeded in gaining both worldwide recognition and awards for his jewelry artistry. Jay West?s jewelry has been worn to highly publicized events including movie premiers in both Hollywood and Atlanta. West has traveled to the mines of Australia, Africa, and Mexico in order to select individual stones. West handcrafts high quality jewelry, allowing the opal to guide his design with emphasis on the beauty of the natural stone, accented by traditional gemstones and fine goldsmithing. His work is available by commission through Manitou Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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