Tag Archives: brisbane

Black Onyx Statement Necklace

Rosie, one of my lovely clients, commissioned me to create this necklace for her. It is completely handcrafted from sterling silver and black onyx, and the cabochons were cut specially for this commission by the lovely and talented Annaig from Annaig’s Gemstudio.

I’m often wowed by the ideas and requests I receive, and this was one of those times.

It’s a real statement piece, and I envisage it being worn by generations. It’s a privilege to do this kind of work for such wonderful people. Thank you, Rosie!

Solid Silver Belt Buckle

When you have the husband who has everything, what do you make for his birthday? Well, you might remember I created this money clip last year.

This year, a belt buckle was requested. It was quite a challenge to build, as it is made from 2mm thick sterling silver which had to be shaped three-dimensionally.

I’m happy to say this buckle has been worn every single day since it was given – it’s not so shiny any more – in fact it’s looking quite tarnished and worn, just the way its owner likes it!

This piece is a one-off custom piece, so I won’t be replicating it.

Opal and Sterling Silver Ring

My lovely friend Kylie asked me if I would be able to take an opal pendant that her Nan had given her, and use the opal to make a ring.

I was very happy to try. The pendant was sweet, but just not Kylie’s thing.

I was able to get the stone out, and set it in a simple silver bezel.

Super happy result! Bless you, Nan!

Mookaite Ring

Adam was after a piece to give his partner for a special day. Mookaite has some significance to them, so Adam chose this cabochon that I had in my collection.

I love this cab – look at that little fish that occurred as part of the natural pattern of the rock!

As always, I like to keep the ring setting simple so that the gorgeous stone can be the centrepiece. Fabulous!

Variscite Ring

My gorgeous friend Marg and her lovely daughter Kim came to visit, and chose this piece of variscite for me to create a ring in time for Kim’s birthday.

That soft green is complimented beautifully by silver! Such a magical material!

I was so pleased to make this ring, and I hope it is a favourite for years to come!

Sterling Silver Initials Bangle

Benson wanted to give his wife a special gift for their wedding anniversary. Sensible man, he went for custom made jewellery!

We put a spin on this cuff bangle and included his wife’s initials.

I hope it was a hit on the day!

Peridot Ring

Jen, a lovely friend of mine, commissioned me to make her a ring to replace her engagement ring, which she accidentally threw out with the potato peelings 50 years ago!

This ring is set with a lovely, high domed peridot, and is designed to fit with her wedding ring.

It was a joy to create, and Jen was an absolute delight to work with. I love what I do!

Moonstone Claw Set Pendant

Tina came to me with this most gorgeous chunk of moonstone that her husband had brought her back from Chile, to find out if it was possible to turn it into a pendant. We decided the best option was to set it very simply so that the beautiful stone was the focus, and I designed this claw setting for it.

The stone is gorgeously asymmetrical, both in shape and thickness!

It could almost be worn either way I think.

I love the way the moostone glows and glimmers – very magical!

Sterling Silver Lion Rampant Ring

Kathy contacted me to see if I could create a lion ring for her girlfriend, who’s last name is Lyons.

Using my jeweller’s saw, I hand-cut and overlaid this lion rampant onto the ring.

Kathy’s girlfriend was really chuffed with the ring, which makes me very happy!

Sterling Silver Wedding Ring

Zoe has the most divine engagement ring from Tiffany’s, and as it is large and sits right on her finger, she needed a custom made wedding ring to go with it.

I designed Zoe this ring, which fits around her gorgeous engagement ring nicely. It’s a little bit like a medieval crown!

After the wedding, Zoe’s husband decided that although he doesn’t wear jewellery in general, he also wanted a nice simple wedding ring, so I was happy to create that too!

Thank you, Zoe and Matt, for choosing me to create such important pieces for you! Wishing you both a lifetime of joy and contentment.

the silver forge

jewellery handcrafted by ruthie gray