Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A few weeks ago I decided that it was time for this plume agate, which I've had for a while, to embark on a new life as a ring.
I sketched out a few designs, trying to incorporate the stone's plumes in the pattern. Visualizing it in my head, I went ahead and began to saw out some silver sheet and create the setting.
Remember that I've said that sometimes the designs seem to create themselves. THIS TIME it wasn't the case.
Several hours later and a couple of ruined bezels, I gave up. The solder didn't want to flow, the bezels wanted to melt, and the design wasn't right.
Let me tell you, I wasn't happy. But I was also stubborn. I WAS going to get it right, even if it took me forever.
Back to my workshop I went the next morning. Several MORE hours later, a design finally started to emerge. No, it wasn't what I started out with. But it seemed to flow with the aura of the stone.
Some leaves, a fern frond, and it worked. FINALLY.
More pictures can be found here. (Oh and yes, you'll find a dragonfly on the underside of the setting!)
Remember that I've said that sometimes the designs seem to create themselves. THIS TIME it wasn't the case.
Several hours later and a couple of ruined bezels, I gave up. The solder didn't want to flow, the bezels wanted to melt, and the design wasn't right.
Let me tell you, I wasn't happy. But I was also stubborn. I WAS going to get it right, even if it took me forever.
Back to my workshop I went the next morning. Several MORE hours later, a design finally started to emerge. No, it wasn't what I started out with. But it seemed to flow with the aura of the stone.
Some leaves, a fern frond, and it worked. FINALLY.
More pictures can be found here. (Oh and yes, you'll find a dragonfly on the underside of the setting!)
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I can't retro-fit a ring to a smaller size once I make it. But I can make a custom ring at any size. If you're interested, I have a bunch of cabs that can be made into rings. Let me know if you're interested.