Category Archives: Ruthie’s Own Pieces

Flashback – Peridot and Sterling Silver Earrings

Continuing my flashbacks to the first pieces I ever made, the next step I took at The Goldsmith’s School was to learn to set a stone. A round or oval shaped cabochon is the simplest to set (no corners to contend with!) and I chose one of my favourites, peridot.

I have written about the stone setting process previously here and here – and as you can probably tell, it is one of my favourite ways to create!

I’ve gotten faster and better at setting stones of course, but these earrings have stood the test of time – although I would design the ear hooks differently another time! I still love peridot, too – it and garnet are some of the few gemstones that are not treated in any way.

Flashback – Silver Textured Overlay Pendant

At the Goldsmith’s School I studied at, the second piece that all students created was a pendant. We were asked to come up with a couple of designs, bearing in mind that we would have to cut the pieces out of sheet metal with a jeweller’s saw. Good to see I’ve had the spiral theme going for a long time!

After cutting out the circle for the base layer of the pendant, I stippled it by hammering with a stippling tool (a steel rod with a design carved into one end) all over the metal. Then I cut out the top layer, and soldered it and a a simple cup hook bail on (with some assistance from the teachers!)

I was always very taken with how, out of a room full of people given the same basic brief, so many very different pieces come to life. I’m still pretty fond of this piece, although I don’t wear it very often – perhaps I should get it out!

Flashback – Plain Sterling Silver Ring

When I started attending the Goldsmith’s School in Brisbane back in 2005, the first piece that everyone made was a plain half round ring. This is known in the trade as a ‘wedder’ (as it is a basic wedding ring.) The ‘half round’ refers to the profile of the ring.

It is possible to use a rolling mill and roll wire to be half round, which is the easy way to make one of these rings; we started with a thicker, flat piece of metal, shaped it into a ring, then filed and emeried until it was half round – it’s a good way to learn those basic techniques, and also to get an understanding of the complexities of silversmithing.

I made this ring to give to my son at the time – I don’t think it would even fit onto his pinkie finger these days!

The Silver Forge Selfie Competition 2015

After some customers posted some great pictures on my FaceBook page recently of themselves wearing some of their Silver Forge jewellery, I thought I’d love to ask you all to show me pictures of your beautiful selves wearing pieces I’ve created – it’s such a buzz seeing someone wearing something I’ve made!

With that in mind, I thought I’d run a competition ~ the prize will be a $100 voucher to spend in The Silver Forge shop. All you have to do is post a photo of yourself wearing your Silver Forge piece: either to The Silver Forge FaceBook page, or on your Instagram or Twitter account. The winner will be randomly selected from all the entries across the board.

Most important – don’t forget to make sure you use the hashtag #silverforgeselfie so I can see you!

If you aren’t on any of these social media, don’t despair! You can email me your picture and I’ll make sure you’re entered in the draw.

If you enter the competition, I may post your pictures onto my social media accounts as mentioned above, or pop some of your pictures in the customer testimonial section or as part of my product listings on my website to show you off – just so you are aware! 🙂

The winner of The Silver Forge selfie competition will be randomly selected on 14th February 2015. (Valentine’s Day, I know!) You may enter one photo for each piece of The Silver Forge jewellery that you have – each photo will count as one entry, because it’s nice to have your loyalty rewarded.

I know I said ‘selfie’, but if you’d really rather someone else took the photo of you, I can bend the rules a little!

If you have given someone else a Silver Forge piece, it is fine to enter a picture of them wearing it, as long as you have their permission.

It doesn’t have to be your best glamour shot unless you want it to be; you can make it quick, make it fun, make it quirky – just show me your Silver Forge selfie! Darers go first, so they say, so here’s me with some pieces I’m wearing atm just to get you started. Go for it!

Faceted Black Onyx Ring

I occasionally get around to creating something new for myself, and since I’ve been having a little love affair with faceted cabochons of late, I thought I’d make myself another ring!

I needed a black ring, for everyday wear, and this one is great.

I do have a couple more of similar cabochons coming, so if you’d like one of your own, do let me know!

Garnet and Sterling Silver Circles Ring

Circles, endlessly wonderful. I created this ring for myself, as I wanted something to match a pair of earrings I made that I wear a lot.

The design came to me as I was daydreaming before I went to sleep one night.

I really love this ring!

White Seaglass and Sterling Silver Earrings

I had originally created these seaglass earrings to be listed in my shop, but after some consideration, I decided I had to keep them for myself!

Y’ know, that happens sometimes. Especially when it’s a one of a kind piece!! 🙂

Green Onyx and Sterling Silver Amorphia Ring

It’s been a while, but I finally got around to creating something for myself! This ring is set with some faceted cabochons of green onyx.

I think this may be the start of a new range. Hold tight!

Cherry Creek Jasper and Sterling Silver Ring

I came across this divine piece of Cherry Creek Jasper a while ago, and just finished making it into a ring for myself.

The design was partly inspired by my dear friend and classmate, Jane. She makes beautiful rings, and her shanks are often very squared off at the ends.

I love the very organic nature of the stone. Jasper is so hugely versatile!

Lodolite Garden Quartz and Sterling Silver Ring

I bought two divine lodolite bullet shaped cabs a while ago, and I spent some time contemplating how to do them justice. I was waiting for inspiration to strike me, and it eventually did!

Lodolite is commonly known as Garden Quartz.

It is clear quartz with inclusions, which look like a landscape scene – garden or underwater garden!

I feel the organic vine-like nature of the ring complements the beautiful stone.

I’m looking forward to making another ring with my second gorgeous piece of Lodolite!

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray