What happens when you take a large green chrome Tourmaline gemstone, mix in some coloured diamonds, and wrap everything in 14-karat white gold with 18-karat yellow gold tube accents?
In the case of Lionel Keyowski, owner of Red Deer’s Artemis Jewellers, the result was a $15,000 women’s ring that’s now gracing the pages of Canadian Jeweller Magazine. The piece was recently named runner-up in the Best Coloured Gemstone Design category of the magazine’s annual Awards of Excellence.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever sent a piece away for competition,” said Keyowski, noting that he was up against jewellers and designers from across the country, as well as designing manufacturers.
Keyowski, who moved to Red Deer in 2001, has been designing jewelry for 26 years.
His award-winning ring has been in the works for about 15 of those.
“It took me almost seven years to find the centre stone for this thing,” said Keyowski, who finally sourced the right gem in New York.
Hundreds of hours went into the ring’s creation, with Keyowski’s staff pitching in.
“I have one goldsmith who did all of the hand-engraving on it, which probably took over 200 hours.”
Even the technique used to affix the ring’s four sections together is unique, he said, explaining that a laser welder might have damaged the centre stone.
The eye-catching piece of jewelry is now on display at Artemis Jewellers at No. 163, 2004 50th Ave., where it’s priced at $14,700.
“It’s probably underpriced,” said Keyowski.
However, not everyone with a big bank account could wear the ring.
“They have to have a long slender finger,” explained Keyowski, adding that a potential buyer would have to try it on to see if they have the right hand to complement the ring.
The Canadian Jeweller Magazine Awards of Excellence also recognized the Best Diamond Design, the Best Canadian Diamond Design, the Best Pearl Design, the Best Platinum Design, Independent Jewelry Retailer of the Year, Multi-Store Jewelry Retailer of the Year and Watch Brand of the Year.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com