Family ring

I originally thought I was going to make Debbie a cuff. A family cuff to be precise, with engraving and birthstones. She likes sentimental jewellery so I figured this would be the way to go.

One day I was standing under the giant dogwood in my backyard wondering if the dead hollow branch would make it through another windstorm. As I looked under the tree I remembered how much I like looking under trees, seeing the different patterns made by branches and leaves, etc. Then it dawned on me that Debbie LOVES trees so it would be cool if I could recreate that pattern on the cuff and set the birthstones in the little holes.

I opted for a ring over a cuff for a few reasons. First, I would have to make a large wax model which can sometimes be problematic when being casted. Second, I wasn’t sure if I would have enough materials for a cuff, even though she gave me a ton of stuff. Third, Debbie gave me a lot of rings which made me think this project had depleted her ring collection.

To make the ring, I made the wax, had it casted, finished the casting, decided where to layout the stones, made the settings, set the stones, polished the ring, then added the pearl last (as it had to be glued in).

I love this ring. It want one! Most importantly, she loves it which is fantastic!