Materials: Narrow Australian opal doublet set in 22k gold bezel with 18k backing and 2.5mm band Size: 6 Petra Class, a talented artist from Germany, studied art history and philosophy at the University of Stuttgart before undergoing rigorous training in metalsmithing and design. Her experience as a silversmith deeply influenced her jewelry-making approach, rooted in European applied arts. While living in Berlin before the Wall fell, Petra began creating and showcasing her jewelry in galleries across Germany. After marrying Steve, a Californian, she moved to San Francisco and founded her jewelry design studio in 1991. The blend of her classical training with California's nature-inspired ethos formed her distinctive style. The studio evolved into a family-run atelier, now spanning two generations on the West Coast and in New York City, with a skilled team including her son Lucas, daughter-in-law Phoebe, and bench jewelers Morgan, Clio, and Emma. Lucas, who grew up in the studio, began working full-time in 2020, driven by a desire to explore his creativity. Phoebe joined in 2022 to manage the New York studio after a successful career in fashion. Morgan, with the studio since 2014, produces intricate pieces from Portland, while Clio and Emma support the team in New York. Petra divides her time between San Francisco and the German countryside, where she creates one-of-a-kind pieces. The studio crafts jewelry from recycled 22-karat and 18-karat yellow gold, using ethically sourced gemstones and traditional techniques. The designs highlight vibrant colors and textures, aiming to create captivating, meaningful pieces. The collection features rhythmic arrangements, contrasts in textures, and a diverse palette of gemstones, including aquamarine, emerald, and lapis lazuli. While yellow gold is preferred, pieces can also be made in white or rose gold upon request.
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