Tourmalinated quartz is such a lovely stone, and when my gorgeous client Jane chose this one from my gemstone collection for a ring to replace one that we had an issue with, I was very happy to create with it!
I still get such a buzz out of every ring that I make.
If you need one of your own, let me know!
My Granny likes opals, (I created this opal ring for her a few years ago), and I wanted to create her a ring that she could wear each day.
She admired this opal ring I made a dear friend, so I thought she would like one of her own! This stone is a boulder opal, which is found only here in Queensland, Australia.
I love my dearest Granny! xx
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!
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!
I do make more petite rings sometimes, and this pink faceted opal cabochon from my small gemstone collection was just perfect for the occasion!
My lovely son asked me to create a ring for a friend of his. Her favourite colour is pink – so what better stone?
I designed the setting to bring the pink opal away from the finger where it might otherwise be lost, but is still small enough for a dainty ring wearer! Love you my son. xx
After seeing a mohave green turquoise ring I created for another client, Karen fell in love and wanted one of her very own!
I was able to source another mojave green turquoise cabochon, and create this ring.
Thanks, Karen – it’s a stunner!
Checkerboard black onyx is proving to be popular, and I was pleased to be able to create this ring for one of my wonderful clients.
Rosie has great taste in gemstones, and her collection of The Silver Forge pieces is growing!
Thanks, Rosie – I like your style!
It was my mum’s birthday a while back, and as I know she’s been coveting a tanzanite ring for a long time now, I thought it was about time I made her one!
Even though they’re not ‘sought after’, I like the inclusions in this stone – I think they give it depth and interest.
Happy happy birthday, my dearest Masie!! 🙂
I’m now sending out a quick weekly email which lets you know of new products as soon as I release them. If you love to know stuff first, and would like an easy way to see what’s new at The Silver Forge shop, you can sign up right here!
One of my clients fell in love with faceted onyx (as have I!), and she asked if I could make her this matching ring and pendant set.
I was thrilled to! I love that she matched the set with a pair of coal black Czech glass earrings, too.
Love the whole set. Thanks, Ash!