Tendai Designs

I seek to showcase the exquisite beauty of gems by wrapping them in precious metals. My designs are deeply influenced by my travels throughout Asia and Latin America and by my connection with gem collectors from all over the world. I am constantly on the lookout for unusual and rare gemstones that I can make into a unique and exquisite work of wearable art.

A philosophy major in college, I found I had a natural affinity for making jewelry and taught myself how to wire wrap. Later, I took classes with master jewelers at the Revere Academy, San Francisco and became a trained bench jeweler. The last ten years of curiosity and exploration have led me to a combination of techniques and styles you will not see anywhere else. Each art piece was made at my home studio in San Francisco, California.

Each piece of jewelry was created by Nick, by hand, never to be re-created again. Every piece of Tendai Jewelry is completely one of a kind and has its own story. From the origins of the stones and the tales that got them here, to the highs and lows of creation, and the ultimate triumph over imagination and realization!

Genres


Contact Information

Nicolas cooney
(706) 248-7325
Tendaicooney@yahoo.com

Artist Links

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Artist Work

Winds of Change (2020)
A combination of techniques you will not find anywhere. A hand carved turquoise sits at the center of this pendant- surrounded by pops of color and gemstones from around the world. The turquoise is set into silver and 14kt gold.

Turquoise

Uploaded by Nick Cooney on 2020-11-18.

Colombian Delight (2020)
This pendant features Colombian emeralds from the world famous Muzo mine. Paired with diamonds, and set into 14kt gold, this pendant is a show stopper!

Emerald cab

Uploaded by Nick Cooney on 2020-11-18.

Alien Tech (2020)
Something about this glowing opal just draws you in. Australian opal at the center, surrounded by tsavorite garnets, and set into 14kt gold.

Opal and tsavorite

Opal and tsavorite