Tag Archives: Ruthie Gray

Moonstone and Sterling Silver Claw Set Pendant

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.

Moonstone and Sterling Silver Claw Set Pendant

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

Moonstone and Sterling Silver Claw Set Pendant

It could almost be worn either way I think.

Moonstone and Sterling Silver Claw Set Pendant

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

Lion Rampant Ring for Kathy

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.

Sterling Silver Lion Rampant Ring

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

Sterling Silver Lion Rampant Ring

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

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

 

ArtSound Kyanite Pendant and Earrings Set

Kyanite Earrings and Pendant Set

I was so pleased when my dear friend Judy asked if I could create another matching pendant and earrings set for her to donate to the ArtSound FM Radiothon fundraiser this year. (Last year I created this set).

ArtSound Kyanite Pendant and Earrings Set

I drew up a few quick ideas, incorporating the ArtSound logo, and Judy chose the one she wanted. She  chose kyanite cabochons from my gemstone collection, which I think looks just lovely!

ArtSound Kyanite Pendant and Earrings Set

Thank you, Judy, what a pleasure to create for you!

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.