Tag Archives: handmade

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

smithing – creation of a freeform gemstone and sterling silver ring

I always love to see behind the scenes of manufacturing – maybe it all stems from that cool crayon factory clip that used to be on Sesame Street? One of my gorgeous clients, Natasha, asked me to use this charoite in a ring for her mum, and her mum was interested to see the work in progress.  I have written before herehere and here about my processes, and I thought you might like to see some more!

Charoite Cabochon

It started with this luscious piece of charoite which Natasha spotted in my gemstone collection.Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction Using a strip of silver and my trusty half round pliers, I made a bezel for the stone.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

I fitted the stone to a piece of sheet silver.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

After sawing out the shape of the backing plate, I prepared to solder.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

After soldering, the silver becomes oxidised and it seems far-fetched that this will ever turn into something beautiful!

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

Some careful measurement, and more bending with my half round pliers, and a ring shank is made.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

A quick check that the stone fits properly, then I’m ready to solder the shank to the top.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

The shank is lined up on the top, and soldered firmly in place.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring Construction

Time for lots of filing and emerying to get the silver ready for the stone to be set.

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring

After plenty of time with my engraving ball and chasing hammer, the finished product!

Charoite and Sterling Silver Ring

 

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.

Cutaway Sterling Silver Wedding Ring

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

Cutaway Sterling Silver Wedding Ring

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!

Wedding Ring for Matt & Zoe

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

Czech Glass Initial Earrings

Czech Glass Initial Earrings

One of my lovely clients asked if I could make simple wire earrings in the shape of initials, incorporating a bead.

Czech Glass Initial Earrings

What a cute idea! I don’t know if I can replicate every letter of the alphabet, but ‘L’ worked out pretty well I thought.

Czech Glass Initial Earrings

Thanks, Lithy! (Love your bead choice, too!)

 

Sterling Silver Palm Wrap Bracelets

Sterling Silver Palm Wrap Bracelets

Lenka Klikacova is a fashion designer, and she contacted me to see if I could make her some silver palm wrap bracelets for her Spring/Summer 2016 fashion show.

Sterling Silver Palm Wrap Bracelets

I hadn’t heard of palm wraps before, but they are a thing, and I was happy to create the ones that Lenka had in her mind!

Lenka Klikacova Spring/Summer 2016

Lenka’s designs are sleek and have great shape, so the simplicity of the silver band really worked well.

Lenka Klikacova Spring/Summer 2016

I’m looking forward to working with Lenka again!

Sterling Silver and Serpentine Box

Sterling Silver and Serpentine Box

My gorgeous and wonderful Granny celebrated her one hundredth birthday in October.

Granny's 100th - Cake

The family gathered for a lovely morning tea in her beautiful garden.

Granny's 100th - Garden

As part of the celebrations, I wanted to create something unique and special for her, and I decided on a box.

Sterling Silver and Serpentine Box

It was probably the most challenging piece I’ve ever worked on!

Sterling Silver and Serpentine Box

I love you, dearest Greatie, you are the best, most inspirational grandmother I could ask for, and I feel very lucky to have you!

Granny's 100th - Granny and the Queen Closeup

 

Geometric Sterling Silver Ring

Geometric Sterling Silver Ring

Lovely Laura wondered if I would be able to create a similar piece to a costume ring which she and her friend both loved, as it was made in a plated base metal which had deteriorated.

Geometric Sterling Silver Ring

It was a mercy dash to the finish line, as the ring was needed for a special birthday right away!

Geometric Sterling Silver Ring

Although it’s not identical (the original would have been cast in a factory mould), I think it turned out ok – and I believe the birthday girl was very happy too!

Geometric Sterling Silver Ring

Thanks Laura!

Ball and Tentacle Ring

Sterling Silver Sphere Ring

Occasionally I do stop long enough to make myself something! I confess it was over a year ago that I made this ring, and it’s taken me this long to post it.

Ball and Tentacle Ring

As you can tell from its well worn appearance, I wear it all the time!

Ball and Tentacle Ring

Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring for George

Freshwater Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring

A lovely dad, George, was asked by his daughter to have me create this custom made pearl and sterling silver ring for her birthday.

Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring for George

I was very glad to help! Simple and stunning.
Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring for George

Serpentine and Sterling Silver Ring

Serpentine and Sterling Silver Ring

Bandar admired this serpentine ring in my shop, and wondered if I could resize it for him.

Serpentine and Sterling Silver Ring

I wasn’t able to, but luckily I had another cabochon the same in my gemstone collection, so I created him the same ring but in his size.

Serpentine and Sterling Silver Rings

The ring is now happily in Saudi Arabia with its new owner!

 

Garnet, Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Bangle

Garnet, Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Bangle

Matthew was looking for a gift for his wife, and he got in touch to see if I could create a bangle similar to this one, but with some gemstones included.

Garnet, Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Bangle

He got their small daughter to choose the gemstones from my collection. She picked garnet and lapis lazuli.

Garnet, Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Bangle

I hope this thoughtful present was well received!