About

The name Crow & Stone is the result of contemplation and thought, a great friend and the compounded life experiences of designer Nicole Hirai-Stinnett.  

Nicole puts high value in work ethic, and integrity; and believes that to truly know the tricks of the trade you have to truly know the trade, she wanted this meticulous knowledge and understanding of the craft to be conveyed.  The name Crow & Stone came from many places, but predominantly it is Nicole's love for nature and its wildlife and its quiet and often understated presence around us.  Wearing Crow & Stone jewelry is like wearing a reminder of our responsibility to nature, to people, and things. It's a reminder that we are all really "just a beautiful speck on another beautiful speck." 

When Nicole is in her studio, she often thinks of Aesop Fables. "I love tales and proverbs that for generations stand the test of time." Although some are out-dated (and can be politically incorrect!) they are maps to what was, sometimes they are windows of what is, and they are often moral guidelines.  There is an Aesop Fable called The Crow and the Pitcher, this fable was ultimately Nicole's inspiration for her name, and how she approaches her work of handmade and unique designed jewelry, meticulously crafted little by little. A reminder of nature, a reminder of our place within it.



The Crow and the Pitcher

A Crow, half-dead with thirst, came upon a Pitcher which had once been full of water; but when the Crow put its beak into the mouth of the Pitcher he found that only very little water was left in it, and that he could not reach far enough down to get at it. He tried, and he tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him, and he took a pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped that into the Pitcher. At last, at last, he saw the water mount up near him, and after casting in a few more pebbles he was able to quench his thirst and save his life. Little by little does the trick.



Meet the Designer

Nicole, crow and stone

 

When Nicole designs, she explores ways to meld components between nature and industrial elements, exploring the structures that both lend regidity and create fluidity. Oftentimes this leads to interesting experiments and studies such as creating dimension amongst the juxtapositions of lines or inverting the negative space to maintain the positive.  In her work, Nicole likes the play between these elements and finds herself looking into geometrical confines to develop her discoveries. When asked about her artistic journey thus far, Nicole says "it’s been an interesting undertaking and I have only tipped the iceberg."

 

In addition to the collections available for purchase online, Nicole creates one of a kind showpieces for galleries, and special order. Nicole often collaborates with other designers and curators to help bring ideas to life. If you are interested in a custom piece, a collaboration, or would like to learn more about Crow & Stone, contact Nicole.

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