Interview by Corliss Callan
CC: Can you share where you got the inspiration for your business’ name, Shining Opus Designs, and what it means to you?
ET: Opus is synonymous with creation, or masterpiece. That is where my business name came from, and I also grew up listening to Kansas’ song Magnum Opus so the vocabulary was already on my mind. To me it means that what I create is from the heart and intended to be timelessly cherished.
CC: How would you describe your personal signature in each jewelry design and overall aesthetics?
ET: My signature style is always evolving, but one of my most iconic designs is the Web of Life series featuring spider web designs that symbolize the interconnected nature of our reality as well as the inherent prevalence of geometry in the natural world. I am always influenced by the contrast of organic shapes and geometric shapes and how they can interact and contrast one another.
CC: What are your two favorite natural gemstones to work with and why?
ET: My two favorite gemstones to work with are tourmaline and sapphire. Both of these are favorites because of the spectacular variety of colors found within the gemstone family. Tourmaline can exhibit unlimited different colors within the same stone which creates a strikingly beautiful effect. Sapphires are also extremely durable, second hardest gemstone to diamond, and that with their variety of colors make them a top choice for jewelry and a great alternative to diamond for engagement rings and other sentimental jewelry.
CC: As photographer and jeweler, what challenges have you face as a young artist and business owner?
ET: My main challenge as an artist IS being a business owner. My creativity flows freely and I always have endless ideas. The hard part for me is when I feel like I need to create things that will be popular and good for business without straying from my creative vision. My second biggest challenge is time management. I would really love to be able to create art all the time, but I also have to market my work and take care of the business side of things.
CC: With a degree in geology, have you ever personally sourced the gemstones you work with?
ET: I have sourced a few of my own stones but mostly for collection rather than jewelry. In the future I would like to source some more high end gems for my jewelry. Most of the material I work with is from all over the globe.
Talisman with tourmaline, tsavorite garnet, labradorite and yellow sapphire set in Sterling silver.
Finissimo – Moldavite centerpiece surrounded by amethyst, garnet, ruby, and sapphire in sterling silver and 14k gold.
Midnight Series hybrid pendant in sterling silver, set with kyanite, emerald, Dumortierite in quartz, tsavorite garnet, and black spinel.
Gents ring with Spessartine garnet and diamond in sterling silver and 14k gold.
Satori – A flourish of peridot, amethyst, citrine and sapphires set in sterling silver and 14k gold.
In His Words
As a Blacksburg native, I began making jewelry in my highschool art class. My lifelong creativity led me to study Art (photography) and Geology at Guilford College, which fueled and furthered my passion for jewelry and design. I have always been fascinated with the brilliance of natural gemstones, and I have taken it upon myself to display them in unique and imaginative ways. Jewelry is notoriously sentimental and meaningful, and that drives me to create high quality pieces that can last through the ages. I see gemstones as the heirlooms of the earth and I further their legacy as heirlooms for people. Jewelry is my passion and I live to create. I am currently a full time jeweler at PR Sturgill Fine Jewelry in Radford, and I can assure you that my future is full of excitement and elevation.