Stones Available

The “initiator” Peter Albarian has had an interest in finding and buying natural stones for many years. His initial focus was amber with fossilized insects encased inside, then he began to appreciate and collect unfinished raw stones of different types based on attraction and being moved. He had no plan or intent other than the joy of collecting and observing each piece, but over time he begin considering ways in which he might put them to some kind of use.

During his travels, Peter began paying more attention to unique artisan jewelers’ work utilizing different items as their central focus. He saw some incredibly creative pieces, but the quality was not what he envisioned. Finding someone who created jewelry at a very high quality level, with the talent, inspiration and interest to be able to create what he envisioned became his hope. The connection and feeling was very different and special with one particular jeweler he came across on the town square of San Jose del Cabo, BCS Mexico. This man’s joy of life, importance of family and faith, incredible quality of handmade one of a kind jewelry, and his children learning from and following in his footsteps all attracted Peter to work with him. His name is Jesus Sanchez Icaza of Sanchez & Luna Fire Opal Designs. A few very enthusiastic conversations had Peter looking forward to returning with some stones for them all to work with.

A few months later, Peter excitedly sat down with Jesus and two of his Son’s; Gabrial Alejandro Sanchez Luna and Fernando Sanchez Luna. The family had never before worked with rough natural stones like these and their excitement was palpable. Peter explained what he envisioned for each piece and they added their suggestions based on their experienced fine jewelry creation. Their first planning interaction lasted over 2 hours as they all wanted to make sure the resulting pieces would not disappoint. When the initial pendants were finished, the well-deserved pride exuded by the Sanchez family in being a part of this unlikely experiment was clear and real.

Once Peter started wearing these initial pieces, the interest from strangers was immediate and constant. Questions asking for information about what the particular stones were, who designed and created pieces, and where they could buy them kept coming. Many shared with Peter the unique properties of the different stones which further intrigued him to learn and collect. Though he didn’t initially intended to create for more than himself, family and friends, the interest and power of the stones opened his thinking. Each time he went to San Jose del Cabo meant more very unique pieces being created. Expanding to creating with ancient Roman coins, artifacts, and baroque pearls began to happen. The Sanchez Family always willingly and enthusiastically sat down for the anticipated design discussions adding to the collection, and creativity grew.