The Assignment:

Create a ring that accommodates a rough stone of choice, designing a non-traditional way of securing this stone.

I chose a rough watermelon tourmaline which turned out to be a bit too flaky.

Concept

At the present I have no idea of what lead me to this design. Although, in the beginning, the interior of the plate was supposed to be polished, so it would mirror the stone. But this proved somewhat extremely difficult, if not impossible given my skills at the time.

Execution

This one I started over when I was half way done. I had give it the top curves first and only then make the cuts where the stone rests, and I accidentally cut some outside edges. The teacher said to cover it up with solder but it was getting way too messy! Second time around I did better.

With my teacher, we did tried to leave the disc polished, but didn’t succeed.

Conclusion

This is something I would like to someday redo with some minor changes to it. Refine the shape a bit more, play a little with different widths, and accommodate the stone a bit more organically. But probably get a different stone altogether!

Create a band ring with a cutout design.

I decided to make two as a 25th anniversary gift for my parents!

Concept

Bearing the occasion in mind I combined the astrological symbols of both their zodiac signs, Libra and Sagittarius.

Execution

The purpose of this piece was to show the improvement of our sawing skills.

These were rather quick to make, even if the design required some attentive work with the saw, being a beginner.

Mate finish on the outside and polished on the inside only.

Conclusion

Also a sentimental piece. I really like the result. People seem to love the combination of the symbols as well as the piece itself.

Anyhow, on to the post!

The Assignment:

Using only silver wire make a chain. Both round rings and oval rings must be used in the repeating module.

This one seems to be a nice achievement. People usually have strong positive feelings about it. Personally I like the end result but I’m strong about it as others might be.

Concept

My initial idea, which led to it’s shape, was as mundane as a cherry blossom. Simplified to only thee petals instead of five, as not to be too literal and more balanced.

Execution

The main goal was to practice soldering. So every single module of the chain was handmade individually and then put together module by module.

Being my first piece to be made, it took a while to be completed as I worked with extreme caution and was rather terrified of ruining any advancement.

It’s silly, but I’m usually scared of the mere thought of starting over again. It is something I can overcome sometimes, yet no always. And I’m aware it is crucial not to fear this.

To finish off the necklace was wire brushed which made for the mate finishing.

Conclusion

It’s a nice enjoyable piece with the added sentimental value of being my first piece.