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WeirdWondrous — Tree branches silver ring with amethyst
Published: 2012-02-17 18:22:49 +0000 UTC; Views: 5384; Favourites: 174; Downloads: 73
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Description
Dome-shaped tree inspired ring with the "branches" (prongs) grasping the otherwise nearly flush set stone.The amethyst got red mineral needles inside, giving it a weird, satinated/reddish sparkle to it even in poor light.
Got the stone over a year ago. It's fancy cut, natural amethyst quartz.
Had the idea for about as long as the stone, started the project and didn't finish it 'till today.
Pierced out the band, domed it, fit the setting (held by the thickness of the dome), soldered on the prongs, set the stone. This is NOT silver clay but traditionally worked Sterling Silver!
The outside of the band got engraved lines to redemble wood as well. none of those pics came out properly, will hopefully have time for a re-shoot.
Made based on the idea of my Tree of life pendants:
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Comments: 35
I love the way that the prongs fit so fluidly with the design, excellent work
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This ring has a great fantasy feel to it. It has a real air of magic about it.
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I've been following your work for a while and I am very impressed and inspired by your designs. Your comment in the description "This is NOT silver clay but traditionally worked Sterling Silver!" caught my attention. I am currently studying silversmithing and have some background in clay/metal clay (though very, VERY minimal) and I tend to see a lot of work by the PMC crowd that...tbh does not hold up to the standards I am learning in the silversmithing trade. To be fair, I have seen some amazing work by PMC artists but they tend to have bench jeweler skills as well. I was curious as to your thoughts on the PMC vs traditional metalwork.
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Hello and thank you for your comment!
I have tried a minimal of PMC just to get to feel the material. I got a kiln, so I can fire silver clay, and of course I also got torches - but I can't say I do Silver clay. I simply can't afford it. I think it is an amazing and modern material which opens up whole new doors and levels in the crafting of precious metals.
However, I believe it to be a completely different story than traditional silversmithing. I personally think we need a new term for the artisans doing jewelry work in PMC. I know many of my professional colleagues look down their noses at what they call "Latte-mom's" (young mothers spending their days with a baby carriage in a café, drinking latte and taking afternoon classes), and that the general ignorance of the distinction between what PMC and gold/silversmithing lessen the traditional craft.
Personally I think they should coexist and that PMC opens amazing doors that can be combined with traditional silversmithing - there should still be a dinstinction, though! - I don't know how to give you agood anology really, but since you tried both you know the difference.
The rather strong wording of "This is NOT silver clay but traditionally worked Sterling Silver" stems from many people asking me the same question, or commending me on my nice silver clay work. It is strange, really, but I take pride in making something "the hard way" and making a braided ring in sterling silver over rolling little sausages in silver clay. The methods are so different and the skills needed also.
I believe we are looking at a development where PMC artists will want to learn more and more traditional methods to adapt to their craft. I am pleased to see that there is now sterling silver available. That is one of the thing I've been opposing in silver clay - that fine silver gets so scratched and worn and deforms easier.
However it is a drawback also, since it will be more difficult to see a distinction. Today, whenever I see someone used the material fine silver, I know it's PMC.
PMC gives an opportunity to create in precious metals and sculpt, lay imprints and such but it has very little in common with the craft of goldsmithing. (Over here a goldsmith makes jewelry in silver, gold, platinum etc. A silversmith makes cups, plates, vases and ornamental objects). It is two very different technique to get the same results, but of course it varies on the skill of the crafter.
I believe there is needed a mutual respect for "the other side", and as the old grumpy smithy's hand over the hammer, perhaps there will be more people willing to combine the two material techniques in the future. - I know I will
Thank you for asking - a very interesting question!
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wow.. i will never understand how someone gets those brillind kinds of ideas, im afraid... 
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Awww.. thank you! And also:
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Err... You're gonna sell this? Have you thought of the price? I want it 
Cross that.
Anyway, this one is absolutely adorable and I want it so much 
You don't have to answer all those questions though, because I pretty much can't afford it if it's over $25 plus shipping anyway 
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This is absolutely beautiful. I would totally wear this. Great job!
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This is wonderfully beautiful. I really like the design of the band!
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I'm usually not a fan of rings this big, but this is awesome work. I know I'd wear it
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Thank you so much!
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I start out with a piece of sheet metal in sterling silver, draw the design, pierce the sheet with a saw to get the design out, hallmark it on the back, doming it with hammers and doming punches, shaping the band, soldering it together, filing and polisging the shapes and curves out, solder the prongs on, fit the stone, polish the piece, set the stone and then pickle the whole thing in argent oxide, pretty much.
I work in a goldsmiths' workshop, doing jewelry work for a living. Mending, resizing, reworking and creating jewelry for stores and customers.
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I figured it was basically either that or casting. I hope to reach your skill level someday
I just started a small metals class. Only real project so far after learning basic skills was this pendant [link] Lots more to come.
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that is so pretty!!...i think i have a amethyst like that at home..not cut of course...strange that they are not classed good stones when they have incursions....but it makes them so pretty when set!
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Thank you! I was lucly to find this guy selling these. He had a couple of odd items I bought, this being my favourite among them. I don't mind using "non gem status"- stones. I just care they can withstand normal use and are pretty.. As long as both me and the customer know the stone set has limitations I think it's OK..
..The other macho goldsmiths in my forge tend to laugh at my pick and choice of stones though, since I personally find this more interesting than a common diamond. heh.
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i think you were very lucky then...and yeah i guess they can be more fragile...but hey character does that
i think the other smiths are being silly...i fully agree a diamond is beautiful...but something with a unique character has to be more of a challenge
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