This quick sketch is of the amethyst ring design I had in mind. Typically I will not set loose gemstones given to me a customer for fear of breakage or damaging a sentimental object. I stepped out of my comfort zone and set a stone larger and more valuable than I was accustomed. In stone setting class, the instructor said that a jeweler isn’t really experienced in stone setting until he or she has 500 settings under his her belt. I don’t think I’ve approached 500 stones yet though I’m probably in the hundreds if you include other types of settings such as bezel , tube and flush settings. The sketch was small and pretty rough but it gavve the customer an accurate idea of what to expect.
- Sketch of a Rectagular (Octagonal) Amethyst Gemstone in a Classic Setting
The design was approved and the next post will show the final ring.
Woke up this morning with this design in mind… maybe we all do have muses that whisper in our ears. If I do, mine is an early bird because I tend to get my best ideas right upon waking.
The muse told me to rivet the connection points instead of how I typically attach metal… which is by soldering with a torch. The great thing about riveting is that there’s no heat involved. I will keep this in mind when summer rolls around as the Texas heat (100 degrees for 2 months straight) keeps me indoors as I prefer to solder in my garage space because of the fumes. My riveting tools all remain indoors at my workbench in lovely air conditioned space.
Another great thing about riveting is that it doesn’t turn the metal black like soldering…. so there’s not as much cleanup!
I just love the industrial look of these earrings… they say, “Hey, I’m a girl who likes tools.”
2- 4mm Tube Set Lab Grown Rubies. Earrings 2 inches/5cm. Weight 3.2 grams/.11 ounces each.
15mm photo frame, originally uploaded by Silversmyth.
A new take on the old locket! This is a hand formed sterling silver frame made by me in my studio in Fort Worth, TX.
The photo or keepsake is sealed under a crystal clear dome. To supply the photo for this item you can email me a high quality digital image after using the payment button.
Old picture or not a picture at all? You can mail me a paper picture or even a tiny piece of miniature art. If it’s your only copy of the picture please make a copy (for me) and keep your original. Your keepsake needs to be just under 15mm and less than 2mm tall. Unless you want a special custom frame made to your specifications. I’m always willing to discuss custom silver designs.
$70. (Price will vary for different sizes, shapes or additional customizations.)
Please email with specific requirements: info@silversmyth.com
Thanks!
Silversmyth jewelry handcrafted by Julie Hiltbrunner. Unique and custom designs with classic simplicity in sterling silver. Blog details what has been created in the Silversmyth workshop, Fort Worth events and an occassional story on an an interesting artist... Enjoy!