A client asked if I could make her these very simple yet striking staple earrings.
I like to do small commissions as well as larger ones.
These earrings are a fabulous every day addition to a wardrobe!
Tag Archives: silversmith
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!
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!
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 here, here and here about my processes, and I thought you might like to see some more!
It started with this luscious piece of charoite which Natasha spotted in my gemstone collection.
Using a strip of silver and my trusty half round pliers, I made a bezel for the stone.
I fitted the stone to a piece of sheet silver.
After sawing out the shape of the backing plate, I prepared to solder.
After soldering, the silver becomes oxidised and it seems far-fetched that this will ever turn into something beautiful!
Some careful measurement, and more bending with my half round pliers, and a ring shank is made.
A quick check that the stone fits properly, then I’m ready to solder the shank to the top.
The shank is lined up on the top, and soldered firmly in place.
Time for lots of filing and emerying to get the silver ready for the stone to be set.
After plenty of time with my engraving ball and chasing hammer, the finished product!
