Stone : Rutilated Smokey Quartz
Item : #1818
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2023
Design : Wolf Herring Carving
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 269.70 Carats
Clarity : Included
Size : 118X21.5X15mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

If you've ever encountered or caught a wolf herring you'll know just what a fascinating and ferocious fish they are. They are like a sword blade, thin and long and have a nasty set of teeth on them. I used to catch them as a kid and we called them ribbon fish. This carving is made from a beautiful rutilated smokey quartz crystal that has lots and lots of fine needles inside. These needles plus the long shape of the crystal reminded me of the wolf herring that I used to catch and so I worked the crystal into a stylised totem of the fish. The carving is designed to be worn as a pendant in the same manner as the pounamu greenstone of New Zealand.

Stone : Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, 24K Gold Leaf
Colour : Blue, Clear, Gold
Item : #1743
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Golden Chrysanthemum
Origin : Afghanistan, Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 13.71 Carats
Size : 17.19X17.19X5.19mm
Price : SOLD

The chrysanthemum, as well as being one of my favourite flowers, is also a favoured symbol to work with. It's always been there in the background of my life and I see it used as a motif and symbol in virtually every culture in every age. With this piece I wanted to create a golden chrysanthemum so I engraved one onto a disk of quartz crystal which I then inlaid with 24K gold leaf. To that I then joined a disk of lapis lazuli... gold and lapis is a timeless classic combination.

As a jewellery design idea, a matched pair of these or a bespoke pair with your own design would be ideal for cufflinks or singularly as a lapel pin. Would also make a pretty cool ring. If you're interested in something like this, get in touch! :-)

Stone : Topaz
Colour : Soft Blue Silver
Item : #1745
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Flower From Heaven
Origin : O'Briens Creek, QLD, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 14.64 Carats
Size : 15.5X15.5X6.67mm
Clarity : Opaque
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

One of my flowers from heaven cut in a beautiful soft blue natural topaz that I dug years ago at O'Briens Creek in North Queenland. It is a gorgeous piece with a gentle hue and feel.

Stone : Quartz
Colour : Clear
Item : #1744
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Flower From Heaven
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 9.63 Carats
Size : 15.18X15.18X6.52mm
Clarity : Opaque
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

I wanted to do one my of flowers from heaven in quartz to see how it would look. I like how the frosted finished gently difuses the light and adds a softness to the stone. The pics don't really do the piece justice but in the hand it looks really lovely.

Stone : Blue Chalcedony
Colour : Blue
Item : #1701
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Flower From Heaven
Origin : Turkey
Treatments : None
Weight : 14.57 Carats
Size : 16.82X16.79X7.45mm
Clarity : Opaque
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

I do love working with this blue chalcedony from Turkey. It has a very distinctive blue hue and translucency to it which I really enjoy. It is very nice stone to carve with a wonderful feel, a certain softness yet very tough. One of my personal touchstones in life is to create the beauty you want to see in the world and with this I hope I had done so even if only in a small, small way.
THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVING HAS BEEN SET AS A PENDANT, SEE IT HERE.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1700
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Flower From Heaven
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 15.70 Carats
Size : 16.87X16.83X7.62mm
Clarity : Opaque
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

Without doubt one of my favorite stones to carve is rose quartz. There is something about the beautiful soft translucent pink glow that radiates from within. It is magical and touches on the ethereal, there is a calmness to it and a feeling of gentle love. With this in mind I carved a very simple flower to embody this lovely energy and spirit of the stone.

THIS BEAUTIFUL CARVING HAS BEEN SET AS A PENDANT, SEE IT HERE.

Stone : Quartz
Colour : Clear
Item : #1708
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Koinobori
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 129.70 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 55X21.5X13.5mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

This clear quartz crystal was perfect for this carving and in the sun it lights up with a bright silvery white brilliance. The koinobori are a traditional Japanese windsock-like streamer painted as koi carp that are flown during certain festivals .They symbolise good wishes for the success and advancement of children. They are a wish for good fortune in life. This carving can be worn as a pendant on a cord or chain.

Stone : Smokey Quartz
Colour : Smokey
Item : #1698
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Mount Horai
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 223.60 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 43X37X26mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

This carving was inspired by the Japanese and Chinese legend of the island of the immortals known as Mount Horai. This is an island where it is said that the immortals reside and is often pictued with mighty waves crashing against the steep rough cliffs.

On one side of this carving I have portrayed a steep island with three pine trees and on the reverse there are powerful waves crashing against it. For the wave I took inspiration from the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai. In my carving I also have the wave throwing up a large pearl.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1646
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Sakura Blossoms
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 38.29 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 29x19.79x14.20mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

The sakura (cherry) blossoms are a much honoured and treasured part of Japanese culture and life. Every year during spring the sakura trees bloom across the country with festivals and hanami (tree viewings) taking place. The five-petaled sakura flowers feature often in works and art and depict the concept of mono no aware, nothing lasts forever, the ofttimes wistful awareness of the transience of things.

This carving depicts several sakura blossoms clumped together on the ground. The wonderful soft glowing pink hues of this rose quartz are absolutely beautiful and gives the piece a calming peaceful energy.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1638
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Chrysanthemums
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 42.42 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 28.3X20.52X12.82mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

Six chrysanthemum blossoms lay clumped together illuminated from within by the soft pink glow of the rose quartz. There is something about rose quartz that makes it among my favorite stones to carve. The beautiful pink hues are subtle and lovely and they glow with an inner warmth and light.

Stone : Amethyst
Colour : Purple
Item : #1608
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Two Koi
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 154.55 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 34X36X16mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

In this carving I have tried to portray two koi carp that have come to a waterfall. In legend a koi came to a waterfall and through much perseverance, effort and sheer willpower managed to leap up the waterfall and to progress further along the river ultimately achieving something great turning into a dragon. Many other koi gave up at the waterfall and allowed the strong currents to wash them back down the river.

Stone : Chalcedony
Colour : Blue
Item : #1601
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Hydrangeas
Origin : Turkey
Treatments : None
Weight : 99.15 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean Translucent
Size : 32X32X16mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

This fine piece of Turkish Blue Chalcedony was just the perfect colour for carving a bloom of hydrangeas. It was a challenging piece to carve but very enjoyable at the same time. I've always been fond of hydrangeas and their big beautiful blooms are just wonderful, there are some in the garden now. This carving could be worked into a brooch or another feature piece of jewellery. The blue chalcedony from Turkey is considered to be among the best of it's type in the world and it has a soft gentle translucent glowing quality about it.

Stone : Sunstone
Colour : Copper Schiller
Item : #1604
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Chest
Origin : Oregon, USA
Treatments : None
Weight : 28.27 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included/Eye Clean
Size : 27.5X15.12X10.49mm
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

I had this lovely piece of sunstone from Oregon which had a strong patch of copper schiller in it. The shape was ideal for carving a human chest. I was inspired by incredible jewels such as the Canning Jewel (pictured) which features a bearded merman brandishing a scimitar. These jewels often use baroque pearls or other gems that are particularly well shaped to be used as chests or torsos. I carved this sunstone with the intention of it being used in such a jewel.

Credit for the Canning Jewell pic is unknown.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1600
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Dreaming Shell
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 67.32 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included/Eye Clean
Size : 32.5X24.5X13mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

There is a quality about how the light can really bring about a warm soft peaceful pink hued glow within rose quartz. This stone has a sleeping dreaming feel about it, very quiet and restful. About half way through working on this piece I noticed that when viewed a certain way you could see a fish embryo and I thought that's very fitting, perhaps that's what a shell dreams of when it's sleeping, of becoming a fish.

The underside is polished allowing you to look into the "inside" of the shell. Quite a nice effect.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1598
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Melting Love Marshmellow
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 62.4 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 36X22X19.45mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

This carving was done purely for the fun of it. I had an odd shaped piece of rose quartz with beautiful colour but it had a few veils and inclusions to work around. So I just carved it with no preconceived idea of what it was going to be. About half way through I started to think that it looks a bit like a melting marshmellow. Add to that the wonderful pink soft gentle glow and you've got yourself a melting love marshmallow. :-)

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1596
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Five Ginkgo Leaves
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 32.5 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 31.5X22.62X8.57mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

These are some weird times we're all going through at the moment. Though challenging and unusual they have been fruitful in other creative and unexpected ways.

This is a small carving born of these times. It's a lovely piece of rose quartz and has the most wonderful soft hue of pink. I have layered five ginkgo leaves atop each other. The satin finish diffuses the light giving the stone a warm gentle glow.

Stone : Nephrite Jade
Colour : Black
Item : #1592
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Toki Scales with Toggle
Origin : Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 104.3 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 71X20.69X6.80mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

Australian black nephrite jade is really beautiful stone to work it. It's really tough stuff and I've read a few times that due to its particular mineral structure it's one of the toughest materials in nature. I've carved this piece with a motif of scales, like a fish, lizard or perhaps a dragon. I wanted to imbue the piece with a sense of providing protection to the wearer. I've also carved two toggles, one in black nephrite and the other in spectrolite from Finland. The pendant is now ready for binding so I'll use one of these toggles for the cord that I also need to braid.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1585
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Three Swallows In Flight
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 183 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 46X30X24mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

In Japan the return of swallows in spring is emblematic of the 3rd month of March. They are a common motif used on many traditional Japanese works, such as inro and lacquerware. Our spring is not too far off so I was in a frame of mind to do something along those lines.

This carving portrays three swallows in flight among the clouds and wind currents displaying their flying skills. The rose quartz has a soft beautiful hue that the satin finish really makes glow. It was a challenging carving to do but I'm quite happy with the result. This is the third in my series of Japanese inspired rose quartz carvings.

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1573
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Koi
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 49.63 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 36X21.1X12mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

According to Chinese and Japanese legend, a koi (carp) succeeds in leaping up a waterfall and turns in a dragon. This can be seen as an encouragement to have faith and confidence in one's abilities and to strive against all odds and adversities and in doing so you may just succeed! The koi also symbolises prosperity, luck and good fortune. They are known for their strength and ability to swim against the currents upstream and over waterfalls to reach their destination. Perhaps this tenacity and perseverance is what makes them so revered.

In Japanese, koi has a homonym that means love. That's kind of fitting given that I've really fallen for the beautiful soft pink glow of rose quartz. There is just something about it, the soft gentleness and peaceful spirit of the stone, the smooth tactile feel. It's calming and fortifying, unassuming and everlasting.

The reverse of the carving is a closeup representation the koi's scales (or could it be the dragon's that it might become).

Stone : Rose Quartz
Colour : Pink
Item : #1557
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Sakura Waterfall
Origin : Madagascar
Treatments : None
Weight : 98.36 Carats
Clarity : Eye Clean
Size : 40.5x19.5x12.5mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

A recent carving I did that was inspired by the annual sakura cherry blossom festival in Japan. The image I have tried to portray is of three sakura blossoms "falling" gently upon a waterfall. I love the soft pink hue of this piece of rose quartz and I think it gives the carving just the right feel culminating in a piece that has a beautiful gentle spirit.

Stone : Lapis Lazuli
Colour : Ultramarine Blue
Item : #1572
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Kirin
Origin : Afghanistan
Treatments : None
Weight : 145.90 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 63.5X30.5X13mm
Price : CLICK FOR PRICING

The Kirin is a mythical creature that appears in the folklore of many Asian cultures, particularly in Japan. It is said to be an avian creature dwelling among the clouds and winds, a sort of cross between horse and lion. In my old AD&D days it was a very awesome thing to encounter, of supra-genius intelligence, lawful-good alignment and very magical. If you were a character of dubious alignment and morals you always had some quick explaining to do.

With this piece I tried to capture a stylised representation showing the head of a Kirin among the clouds. This piece of lapis lazuli is of the highest quality and has that rich ultramarine blue colour with a sprinkling of golden pyrite.

Stone : Quartz
Item : #c12
Design : Bee Carving
Origin : Brazil
Weight : 27.3 grams
Size : 42x25x21mm
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : This is an unusual and very beautifully carved bee done in natural quartz. The detail and quality of the carving is excellent and it has such a lovely feel to it. It feels nice to hold and the bee has many symbolic associations. This fine carving has been drilled down the centre lengthways and is ready to hang or wear. Quite an exquisite piece.

Stone : Fossil Walrus Tooth
Item : #c3
Design : Hawk Head Carving
Origin : St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : Fossil walrus teeth from St Lawrence Island in Alaska have long been carved and worn. This fossil walrus tooth has been carved in a totemic hawk head design and has been drilled so that it is ready to be worn on a cord. This carving has a very nice patina which gives it an appearance that works in with a hawks natural feather colouring.

Stone : Fossil Walrus Tooth
Item : #c4
Design : Hawk Head Carving
Origin : St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : This fossil walrus tooth has been carved in a totemic hawk head design and has been drilled so that it is ready to be worn on a cord. The quality of the carving is excellent and it is a nice weight. A fine piece.

Stone : Fossil Walrus Tooth
Item : #c5
Design : Hawk Carving
Origin : St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : A very finely carved totemic hawk design done in a fossil walrus tooth from St Lawrence Island. This is a beautiful carving and it has been drilled and is ready to wear on a cord.

Stone : Fossil Walrus Tooth
Item : #c6
Design : Hawk Carving
Origin : St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : A very finely carved totemic hawk design done in a fossil walrus tooth from St Lawrence Island. This is a beautiful carving and it has been drilled and is ready to wear on a cord.

Stone : Fossil Walrus Tooth
Item : #c8
Design : Skeleton Yoga Pose Carving
Origin : St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : A very unusual carving. This is a very finely carved fossil walrus tooth in a skeleton yoga pose! The detail of the skeleton is excellent.

Stone : Moose Antler Natural Fall
Item : #c9
Design : Lizard Carving
Origin : Oregon
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : This carving of a lizard has been done in natural fall moose antler from Oregon.

Stone : Moose Antler Natural Fall
Item : #c10
Design : Toad Carving
Origin : Oregon
Price : NOT FOR SALE

Comments : This carving of a toad has been done in natural fall moose antler from Oregon.

Stone : Quartz Crystal
Colour : Clear
Item : #1587
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Tiki
Origin : Brazil
Treatments : None
Weight : 117.20 Carats
Clarity : Very Very Slightly Included
Size : 60X14mm
Price : SOLD

My first tiki... didn't start off intending to carve a tiki and it wasn't until I was almost finished that I thought, geez, that looks like a face and if I put a groove right there then I've got a pair of lips. Then I thought, this looks like those Hawaiian tiki poles. Quite happy with how it finished, love it when a carving comes together. I think I'll do a few more of these. :-)

Stone : Quartz
Item : #c13
Design : Bee Carving
Origin : Brazil
Weight : 15.15 grams
Size : 35x21x17mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A very fine bee carving done in natural quartz. This is a beautiful carving and the quality of the detail is very good indeed. This bee carving has been drilled down the centre lengthways and is ready to hang or wear.

Stone : Quartz
Item : #c14
Design : Bee Carving
Origin : Brazil
Weight : 10.4 grams
Size : 27x24x13mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A beautiful natural bee carving with a high quality of details and finish. I love these bee carvings as they have a wonderful feel in the hand and bees have alot of symbolic associations and meanings. This is a fine carving and it has been drilled in the middle from the top of it's back through to the underneath. It is ready to wear or hang.

Stone : Fossil Walrus Tooth
Item : #c7
Design : Skeleton Yoga Pose Carving
Origin : St Lawrence Island, Alaska
Price : SOLD

Comments : Here is something that you don't see everyday. This is a very finely carved fossil walrus tooth in a skeleton yoga pose! The detail of the skeleton is excellent and ready does look like it's stretching out a yoga pose and touching it's toes.