As a proud alumni of RISD, I am thrilled to present the unique and handcrafted creations of Azurz for consideration at the RISD Art Craft Fair. My name is Azur McHugh, and together with my husband Jesse, we transform natural rough minerals into exquisite gemstones and carvings tailored for jewelers to make into jewelry.

In our home workshop, we use poly arbors, saws and a hands-on approach to meticulously cut and shape each gemstone. Our commitment to craftsmanship is reflected in the uniqueness of our creations; we prioritize the crafting of one-of-a-kind stones over the common mass production of stone cutting for drop in production line bezels and setting.

Using large saws, we preform the rough minerals, (many of which we mine and all of which we source ourselves) cutting them down into workable pieces. Once slabbed, the stones are taken to a poly arbor. Here, each piece is shaped through a progression of grits and polish. The transformation is a delicate dance between craftsmanship and the inherent character of the minerals.

Our inspiration arises from a profound admiration for the inherent beauty within natural minerals, acknowledging each gemstone as an individual work of art. The meticulous cutting and craftsmanship we apply constitute an art form in their own right, anticipating a subsequent transformation when these carefully crafted pieces evolve into exquisite jewelry. Each gemstone is an authentic representation of its origin, capturing the essence of the earth’s creations. These gemstones are not just exquisite materials for artist jewelry; they are crafted to be cherished as heirlooms, integral pieces in the timeless narrative of fine jewelry.

At Azurz, we view our craft as an intersection of nature’s raw elements and refined expertise. This commitment to the artistry of lapidary work informs each piece.