BSSDC Programs

January 2012 | Past Speakers

January 21, 2012

David V. Horste

David V. Horste of DVHdesigns talked about the history of jet, a kind of gem grade lignite coal, and its use as ornament from ancient times through its use in the 19th century as traditional mourning jewelry in the Anglosphere, its decline due to simulants, his current work in jet making 21st century mourning beads, the metaphysical attributes of the material as well as the other stories that this 60 million year old mineraloid has to tell.

David started cutting stones when he was ten years old and has been a fulltime lapidary artist since 1992 with a specialty in larger, one of a kind, centerpiece and focal beads, along with some unique, freeform cabochons. His current work focuses more and more on working in gemstone jet, reviving the Victorian tradition of genuine jet mourning jewelry to help the bereaved, provide grief relief and promote environmental and energy education.