Steven Battelle 1.9 Carats Ethiopian Opal 22K Gold Drop Earrings

Using ancient coins and traditional Balinese gem setting techniques, Steven Battelle’s jewelry offers history in the palm of your hand. The American jewelry designer and his team create rings, earrings and other accessories inspired by and incorporating historic coinage and materials used in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Asia.

Battelle first encountered cabochon stones, which are gemstones polished and shaped rather than faceted, on a trip to Southeast Asia in 1987. A predecessor of modern jewelry, cabochons inspired Battelle to pursue a jewelry hobby while continuing to work as a veterinarian for exotic animals. 

He became fascinated with the ornamentation styles used by ancient Majapahit Java and Siam cultures, eventually transitioning from veterinarian work to designing jewelry full-time. He developed a partnership with Balinese jewelry makers, a collaboration which became a key component in realizing his designs. 

The Balinese partners hand-make each piece using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. While conventional blow torches and modern tools are used in much of the work, the heart of the jewelry’s creation is grounded in an artisanal approach. 

Find Steven Battelle rings, earrings, necklaces and more for sale on 1stDibs.