Imperial Presence Rose de France Sculpture

I am a sculptor and master gem carver who transforms rare gemstones into fluid, organic forms that transcend traditional techniques. Raised near the legendary mines of Butte, Montana, I was drawn to the raw beauty of minerals from a young age. This early fascination evolved into a lifelong pursuit of capturing movement, light, and emotion in solid form. Trained as a classical sculptor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, I am influenced by the fluid grace of water, the landscapes of the American West, and the elegance of Art Nouveau. I push the boundaries of gemstone carving, shaping delicate curves and dynamic lines that evoke a sense of motion. My expertise in faceting and light refraction allows each piece to transform as the viewer shifts perspective, revealing hidden brilliance. My submitted work, Jade Seahorse, reimagines a previous jade carving as a patinated concrete sculpture. Emerging from seaweed-like forms, the seahorse appears to drift gracefully through an oceanic current. The design, inspired by the natural flow of marine life, celebrates the harmony between nature’s whimsy and sculptural elegance. One of my most recognized works, L’Heure Bleu, was officially recorded in 2024 as the world’s largest cut tanzanite. Weighing 703.4 carats, it reflects the precision and artistic vision that define my approach to gemstone sculpture. Currently, I am sculpting a Siamese fighting fish from blue chalcedony, capturing its rippling fins in stone. This piece was recently featured in The New York Times article, “Carving Gems Is This Jeweler’s Passion.” My sculptures merge fine art and gemstone mastery and are featured in collections such as the Smithsonian. With curiosity and reverence for the earth, I reveal the poetry hidden within stone.