Forgotten Stones

Deborah Rudolph, Kunstader. Chalcedony

Claudia Adam & Jörg Stoffel, necklace. Agate

Lustrous and colorful, hard and imperishable: stones have piqued people’s interest since the early days of human history, when hunters and gatherers, our early ancestors, interpreted them as gifts from the gods and attributed healing and protective powers to them – and used them as jewelry. Over the course of cultural history, people have changed their notions and interpretations of them. Precious stones appeared in legends and fairy tales, and were incorporated in the crowns of aristocrats and the jewelry of wealthy citizens. They became status symbols, an economic factor and the subject of scientific research. In our day and age, precious stones continue to play an important role as jewelry elements or investments. In contrast to conventional gem-studded jewelry, which features gemstones in classical cuts and arranged in repetitive patterns, contemporary jewelry artists are using their own individual techniques to restore the magic of gemstones.

Petr Dvorak, earrings. Agate

Some of the Forgotten Stones showcased at Eva Maisch’s gallery radiate an almost weightless aura, others display a heavy, solid quality, and others again surprise the beholder with unusually imaginative cuts or their natural crystal structure. They stimulate our senses with finely engraved textures or imposing cuboidal shapes. Combined with matte gold, blackened silver or stainless steel, or spotlighted without any setting at all, they provide impressive reifications of creative freedom and individuality. With her current exhibition, the Würzburg-based gallerist and goldsmith provides insights into the work of eminent designers. They developed their individual styles while studying at art academies and universities, and have been honored with many international awards. At 7:30 p.m. on April 28 and 29, 2015, there will also be a concert with the singer and songwriter Hubert Treml.