Alabama Jeweler Fits 2-Carat Diamond Into Prosthetic Eye, Calling It A “Symbol Of New Light”
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA — When Alabama jeweler Slater Jones lost his right eye to a devastating illness, he decided to replace loss with brilliance — quite literally. The jewelry store owner turned heads worldwide after revealing his custom-made prosthetic eye featuring a 2-carat diamond embedded at its center.
The sparkling prosthesis, designed by eye prosthetic expert John Lim, is now being called one of the most valuable artificial eyes ever made, combining medicine, art, and luxury in a single breathtaking creation.
From Illness to Innovation
Jones, who owns a jewelry business in Alabama, said the idea for his diamond-embedded eye came from a desire to embrace what he’d lost while honoring what he creates every day.
“I lost my eye, but it brought new light into my life,” Jones said. “The diamond made it more than a medical device — it became a piece of art.”
Lim, who has crafted over 10,000 artificial eyes for patients ranging from newborns to centenarians, said this project was unlike anything he had done before.
“This is the most valuable prosthetic eye in terms of materials,” Lim shared. “The 2-carat natural diamond gives it a brilliance you simply can’t ignore.”
A Gem That Sparkles With Meaning
The custom prosthesis, made from medical-grade acrylic, features the diamond as its pupil, allowing it to glimmer subtly when it catches the light. Jones said he wanted the piece to represent both resilience and creativity, two traits that define his work in the jewelry industry.
“When people see it, they don’t look at me with pity — they’re fascinated,” he said. “It’s a reminder that beauty can come from hardship.”
The prosthetic was first unveiled on social media, where videos posted to Jones’ Instagram account (@jonesjewelryco) quickly went viral.
@gastt_fashion Artificial Eye Fitted with a Diamond by John Imm Prosthetics for Slater Jones. The custom piece featured is a 2 carat natural diamond. Image via @artificialeyesbyjohnimm on IG. Videos via @_jonesjewelryco_ on IG. #fashion #jewellery #jewelry #prosthetic
Internet Reaction: Admiration and Concern
While many praised the jeweler’s bold and artistic choice, others raised questions about the practicality — and safety — of wearing such a valuable gem daily.
“Shouldn’t you be careful every time you go outside?” one social media user commented, expressing worry about theft.
Others, however, applauded Jones for turning his loss into a symbol of empowerment. “That’s next-level confidence,” another user wrote. “He made his pain shine — literally.”
Crafting a Statement Beyond Jewelry
For Jones, the diamond eye is more than an accessory — it’s a statement about identity and perseverance.
“Jewelry is about meaning,” he said. “And this piece holds more meaning than anything I’ve ever made.”
Lim, who shared images of the custom prosthesis under @artificialeyesbyjohnimm, said the collaboration showed how art and medicine can come together to create something extraordinary.
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