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Chrysoberyl Trilling
Based on a specimen from Novello Claims, Zimbabwe
This model was one of the most labor intensive I ever made, and occupied the entire winter of 2026. Although it turned out well, it was an extremely difficult and complicted model to make. Every set of pieces was a challenge - reverse bevels, extremely narrow pieces, angles over 45 degrees, and complex assemblies of pieces that had to be cut and assembled in multiple stages. Not to mention the surprising complexities introduced by including the dotted line! Most of my models include a challenge or two, and I’m happy to have them since they drive me to improve my technique. But every aspect of this model seemed to present a new issue.
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Topaz - Wooden model mounted on a hat
Based on a specimen from Shigar Valley, Pakistan.
I’ve been going to mineral shows with my achtaragdite crystal model handbag for a while now, and it’s been a reliable conversation starter every time. (If you haven’t read about my crystal model handbag yet, you can do so here.) People really seem to love the idea of wearable crystal model art, and after a little while I thought maybe the world needed another example - perhaps a hat this time! I went through my collection looking for a crystal with the correct proportions and the right level of complexity, eventually settling on a perfectly transparent little topaz from Pakistan.