Doug Menadue :: Bespoke Gems - Precision Hand Faceted Gemstones Of The Highest Quality

Customer Settings

This page is dedicated to settings that customers have had made to highlight their beautiful bespoke gemstones.

Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
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Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2016
Item : #876
Design : Signet Asscher (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Weld River, Tasmania
Treatments : None
Weight : 8.28 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 11.04x11.06x5.10mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Now here is something very special and refined. This is a beautiful black spinel from the Weld River in Tasmania. I have cut it in my Signet Asscher design which I created specifically for a lower profiled gemstone, such that would go into a men's signet ring or as a pendant.

This is a very nice stone, the polish on this black spinel is superb and incredibly glossy, like a black piano key. I personally love the simple, crisp geometric lines of this design, they look so good in polished black. Spinel is quite hard wearing and ideal for any jewellery application. I am very proud to be able to offer such beautiful and unique Australian gemstones.

Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
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Collaboration Piece : Black Spinel Rose Gold Engraved Signet Asscher Ring
Artists : Alistair Kelsey, Lado Shili, Doug Menadue

This piece holds special significance for me as it represents and embodies the magical alchemy that can come about from the flame of an idea in a person's mind. To manifest and bring forth an idea into the material draws upon the skills and experience of all involved, not just the artists but the client as well. To my eye, everything about this ring is beautiful and perfectly balanced. The black spinel asscher styled gem that originally came from the wild Weld River of Tasmania, a stone that is hundreds of thousands of years old, tumbled in the river's waters to one day be found by a lucky fossicker. That stone makes it way to me, only the second pair of hands to touch it. Then one day a client walks in and expresses his desire for a signet ring and it must have a Weld River black spinel in it. The Signet Asscher design seems to us the perfect design for this project and I proceed to cut and polish the new gem. I am, as a gemcutter, acutely aware that every act of creation (at least in the context of cutting a gemstone) requires an act of destruction. I must unmake some of the ancient rough stone, grinding it away in order to bring forth the new polished gemstone. It's a small thing I know, but it is something I am conscious of with every gem I cut.

Once the gem was finished I handed it over to the very talented Alistair Kelsey. Alistair has worked with and set quite a number of my gems in the past and I knew that he would be able to conjure up something very special for this project. Lado Shili, engraver extraordinaire, gave of his skills to really take the ring to the next level. I was very excited to see pictures of the finished ring and how it turned out. It was a job well done by all involved and the client was very happy with the results.

"A collaboration of artists - From the Weld River of Tasmania, a black spinel was chosen and precision cut to suit this ring design. Working closely with the client throughout every set, the ring was fashioned in 18ct rose gold, flowing from the corners of the gemstone around the finger, in a symmetrical signet style. The bespoke engraving pattern was then designed and beautifully hand engraved on the surface of the ring. Finally, polished, packaged and delivered to an extremely happy client. The piece was named by the client 'Bha neach-glčidhidh de chothroman' - The keeper/guardian of opportunities, and holds symbolic meanings to them throughout. This collaboration piece was designed and made by myself, the gemstone was sourced and superbly cut by Doug Menadue, and the engraving was designed and carved by Lado Shvili. Every step was carried out with precision to achieve this wonderful result." - Alistair Kelsey

Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876
Black Spinel, Signet Asscher, Weld River, Tasmania, #876

 
Natural Blue Topaz, #237
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Stone : Natural Blue Topaz
Design : Victoria Cut
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2010
Item : #237
Setting Design : Original
Jeweler : Daniel M

Comments : A beautiful setting to hold a beautiful gemstone. This is a lovely ring that so nicely holds the natural blue topaz, created by Daniel M. I love the simplicity of the design and the way it lets the stone do all the talking.
Natural Blue Topaz, #237
Natural Blue Topaz, #237
Natural Blue Topaz, #237

 
Natural Blue Topaz, #45
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Stone : Natural Blue Topaz
Design : Barion Old Mine
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2008
Item : #45
Setting Design : Original
Jeweler : Michelle Chapman

Comments : What a totally stunning pendant setting Michelle Chapman has created to hold this big natural blue topaz. Its a big stone and this setting holds it well. I love the basket that cups the gem and protects the culet. The diamonds are a great accent for the topaz and work well together. This is a top setting and very beautiful.
Natural Blue Topaz, #45
Natural Blue Topaz, #45
Natural Blue Topaz, #45
Natural Blue Topaz, #45
Natural Blue Topaz, #45

 
Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet, #220
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Stone : Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet "Acorn"
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2010
Item : #220
Setting Design : Original
Jeweler : DanielM from Etsy

Comments : Well, what can I say?! This is a totally stunning piece of jewelry that perfectly captures the beautiful orange garnet and presents it for all the world to see. The metal is 14K white gold and the setting uses prongs to hold the gem. I think this is an ideal setting for the smaller acorn gemstones as it still shows the profile clearly. A beautiful ring!
Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet, #220
Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet, #220
Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet, #220
Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet, #220
Fanta Orange Mandarin Spessartite Garnet, #220

 
Natural Blue Topaz, #166

Stone : Natural Blue Topaz "Egyptian Asscher"
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2009
Item : #166
Setting Design : Original

Comments : A fabulous setting of white gold and diamonds with a beautiful natural blue topaz. A very lovely ring.
Natural Blue Topaz, #166
Natural Blue Topaz, #166
Natural Blue Topaz, #166
Natural Blue Topaz, #166

 
Maderia Citrine, #13

Stone : Maderia Citrine "Acorn"
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2008
Item : #13
Setting Design : Original by Julia Kay Taylor (JKT)

Comments : This is an amazing setting that beautifully highlights the unique Acorn design of this gem. The profile is a central feature of this setting and the stone is very open allowing light to enter the gem... this maderia citrine was a large stone. This shows what can be done with a creative imagination and skill... a wonderful setting by Julia Kay Taylor.
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13
Maderia Citrine, #13

 
Topaz, #115

Stone : Natural Blue Topaz from O'Briens Creek
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2009
Item : #115
Setting Design : Original by Sally from Heart of Water Jewels

Comments : A very elegant setting holds this natural blue topaz from O'Briens creek. The setting looks like a chalice or a lotus flower cupping the gem for the world to see. A beautiful piece of work! Its now living in a very cold part of the world, a long, long way from the hot North Queensland bush where it was found. This is why I love cutting beautiful gemstones.
Topaz, #115
Topaz, #115
Topaz, #115
Topaz, #115
Topaz, #115

 
Guerrero Topaz, #81

Stone : Guerrero Topaz
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2008
Item : #81
Setting Design : Original by Graham The Jeweller

Comments : What a magnificent setting for a beautiful gem. This guerrero topaz was cut in the "Nigerian Cushion" design and then set in brushed gold with three little accent diamonds set into the band on both sides. This beautiful setting was done by Graham The Jeweller in Cairns.
Topaz, #81
Topaz, #81
Topaz, #81
Topaz, #81
Topaz, #81

 
Citrine, #134

Stone : Citrine
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2008
Item : #134
Setting Design : Original by Graham The Jeweller

Comments : When citrine is set in gold it is absolutely dynamite. This little beauty was cut in the "Egyptian Asscher" design. Another beautiful setting done by Graham The Jeweller in Cairns.
Topaz, #134
Topaz, #134
Topaz, #134
Topaz, #134
Topaz, #134
Topaz, #134

 
Topaz, O'Briens Creek, #113

Stone : Topaz
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2009
Item : #113
Setting Design : Original by Graham The Jeweller

Comments : When I first saw these cufflinks I was totally blown away! The stones were commissioned by friends out at the gemfields and after I had cut them we sent the stones off to an excellent jeweller that we've worked with before. What we got back was amazing! I have never seen anything like these cufflinks before. The work was first class and the design stunning. The metal is sterling silver and the holes drilled in the side let light into and under the stone so as to add life and sparkle to the stones. I want a pair for myself now. :-)

This shows what you can do with some big O'Briens Creek topaz and a little imagination!!!
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113
Topaz, #113

 
Tourmaline, #25

Stone : Tourmaline
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2009
Item : #25
Setting Design : Original

Comments : A customer came by the other day and showed me a ring that she had specially made that included a tourmaline which she had purchased from me last year. The setting is gold with a small accent diamond and shows off the facinating "pixelation" effect of the tourmaline's Smith Bar design. An absolutely beautiful setting!
Tourmaline, #25
Tourmaline, #25
Tourmaline, #25
Tourmaline, #25
Tourmaline, #25
Tourmaline, #25

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trade Enquiries Welcome - Doug Menadue :: Bespoke Gems

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Bespoke Gems is home to the most beautifully cut and polished gems in the world. Here you can discover the true art of the gemcutter and see just how incredible coloured gemstones can really be. An extensive library of classic, contemporary and unique one-of-a-kind designs, all carefully optimised to bring out the best in each and every gem, are available for you to choose from. Doug Menadue, master gemcutter, can personally craft for you a gem, tailored to your individual requirements, that you will be proud to own. In a time of so much mass produced clutter and rubbish, to discover something small and precious that demands such a sacrifice of time and attention to detail, is to give hope to the fact that the art of handcrafting beautiful things is not lost to us. It is good to know that there are those who continue on the traditions.
Please enjoy your stay and thank you for visiting.

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Doug Menadue :: Bespoke Gems - Beautiful Precision Cut Gemstones
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