J. Petet’s Gold Jewelry Designs

18k gold pendant, ring and earrings with pink tourmaline.

The rising price of gold has caused many jewelry designers and manufacturers to find creative ways to lighten the amount of the precious metal they use for their jewelry. Not John Petet. At the Buyers Market of American Craft, held February 17-21 in Philadelphia, he said he is still creating his textured gold jewelry designs in the same manner that has given his fairly young company, J. Petet Designs, a strong following.

After spending a career working for others, the Monument, Colo., resident founded his jewelry design business in 2002. One of the persons who helped him get started was his neighbor, jewelry designer Barbara Westwood, who recently graced this publication.

Organic forms, clean lines and geometric shapes are at the heart of his designs. Westwood’s influence could be seen in the stone carvings, as he uses some of the same master gem carvers, such as Steve Walters and Dieter Lorenz, as Westwood. However, the most importance aspect of his work is his adherence to texture.

“My work is not typically seen in a jewelry store,” he said. “I’m very heavy into creating new textured patterns and concepts.”

The gold jewelry collection above is a good example of how Petet uses texture, as wavelike lines move across the round pieces, giving them dimension and motion.

Barbara Westwood’s Bold Designs

An opal from from the Christensen mine in Andamooka, Australia, cut by Paul Christensen is framed in 18k gold and diamonds. It retails for about $140,000.

Dramatic colors, distinct shapes, and artistic expression are among the characteristics of Barbara Westwood’s jewelry. Large gemstones of varying shapes, colors and designs create central themes often highlighted by high-karat gold, diamonds and other precious gems. These pieces are designed to stand alone or complement her other creations.

Black onyx hearts carved Steve Walters and topped with a precious gem (such as citrine, blue topaz, pink tourmaline and rhodolite garnet) The glittery material on some of the hearts are Drusy. Each item retails from $3,000 to $4,000.

I caught up with Westwood and her husband and business partner, Sky Hall, at the Gem & Jewelry Exchange show in Tucson in February during a couple of pauses from the throngs of people viewing her signature designs. It was a long way from Gdańsk, Poland, where I first met the couple two years ago. Westwood was being honored by the Amberif International Fair of Amber, Jewellery and Gemstones for her work. For the trade fair, she created a line of amber jewelry, adding yet another material to her vast palette. 

This single piece of ametrine is cut and carved like a cameo by Tom Munsteiner and framed with 18k and diamonds. This is a one of a kind and one piece. It retails for $23,500.