Step #1: Mining / Collecting

At StoneFlo we pride ourselves on using hand mined minerals, crystals, and fossils whenever possible. Sometimes it requires traveling, climbing, and even kayaking to remote locations in search of the Earth’s hidden treasures.

We are based in Ocean County, New Jersey and there are a plethora of different minerals, crystals, and fossils all within driving distance. Through diligent research, trial and error, and a lot of effort we are able to locate many different varieties of minerals, crystals, and fossils that we are then able to use in our jewelry!

Step #2: prepping The Stones 

Once we have minerals and crystals that we plan to use for jewelry we need to prepare the stone to be made into jewelry.  We do this by using different saws to "slab" the stone, which is cutting the stone into a flat piece that will then be further shaped.

For the stainless steel rings, we crush the crystals using a pestle and mortar.

Step #3: Designing, Shaping, polishing the Stone

The next step is to decide on the shape of the stone; and if it will be for a ring or necklace.

Sometimes we shape the stones freehand, using the natural contours and colors of the stone. Other times we use a stencil to draw the desired shape on the slab.

Next we use a lapidary cabbing machine to shape the stone into the desired shape. After going through a series of different grits (like sandpaper on wood), we are then able to polish the stone.

Step #4: Finishing the Jewelry Piece 

In the final step we take the finished stone, fossil, or cabochan, and turn it into a piece of jewelry that can be worn.  The cabochan can be finished in the following ways:

  • Drill a hole in the cabochan to put a bail on the stone for a necklace

  • Wire wrap the shark tooth to be placed on a necklace

  • Set the stone in silver for either a necklace pendant or a ring