BEHIND THE SCENES AT MY BENCH

I’m sharing a behind the scenes look at some unfinished pattern rings that are on my very messy bench this week. I enjoy sharing things in progress on my jewelry bench.

Behind the scenes you get a chance to see creative possibilities in progress and creative possibilities as they evolve . There’s a kind of magic (and tons of hard work) in transforming raw materials into something beautiful.

As abstract expressionist Williem DeCooning said, “Process is everything” , even at a jewelry bench.

3 sterling silver rings in a raw state. Look below of the finished pieces.

A pattern ring with patina shows lots of detail. It’ now ready for polishing.

Pattern ring in progress on my pinky.

FORGED SILVER RING

Forging is the process of altering metal from its original shape with hammers, metal working tools and heat. Once forged, the metal retains its new shape. Blacksmiths for example use forging to create things like horse shoes and other tools.

Forging precious metal is useful process in jewelry design. It can be used to create subtle and Interesting change of plain on a piece of jewley.

I’ve had some fun creating a forged sterling silver ring from some round sterling wire. The front opened ends of this sterling silver ring are somewhat flaired and flattened with hammers while the back of the ring shank is round. It’s an interesting and fun variation on a round ring band.

Forged sterling silver ring

SWIRL RING

The jewelry we choose to wear is a reflection of many things: our tastes, our selves, commitments we’ve made, celebrations and memories. What’s your style ? Do you make understated choice most of the time? Are the rings you wear a reflection of a busy life style, uncomplicated and functional?

There are days I like to add a bit of fun and whimsey to the day just for the fun of it. On those days, I head towards an outside the box choice in the accessories I wear. I find myself smiling when I wear my swirl ring,.

Click here to see this ring on my Etsy store.

ENGRAVED RING

Many years ago a very skilled engraver created a tie tack and embellished it with a beautiful floral design. The engraving work is masterful and elegant.

 I received a commission to transform the domed component of the tie tack into a ring. I carefully took the tie tack apart and created a split shank ring band to mount the oval component onto.

Contact me here if you’d like to inquire about custom work.

A ring I made from an antique tie tack.

LAST DAY OF AUGUST

I can hardly believe it’s the last day of August today. When summer ends shadows are longer, the sun isn’t quite so hot and it sets too early, for my liking. Plant leaves are a heavy dull green color, exhausted from the waves of intense summer heat.

I decided it’s time to start thinking abut putting aside my sea glass jewelry and begin looking toward cooler weather accessories. I’m working on a delicate sterling silver tube set cubic zirconia ring, like the one I’m wearing here. It’s nice to have a bit of sparkle as the days grow shorter.

Contact me here to inquire.

SEA GLASS RING

Sea glass rings are the perfect summer jewelry. Wear it during the summer and collect beach memories. Wear it all season long as a reminder of special beach days gone by.

Sea glass has a frosty glow created by the many years of glass has tumbled in the sea. I like to keep the beach close to me by wearing jewelry made of this recycled gem. Sea glass jewelry keeps memories of fun in the sun beach days close to you all the time.

Click here to visit my Etsy store and inquire about having a custom sea glass ring or pendant made just for you.