Two rings....

**Tabby66** · 29-03-2014, 10:06 PM

I have made two rings, both a challenge in different ways and have needed plenty of forward thinking and rethinking!! They're both commissions, but the people who they are fore won't be looking here!!

The first is a mans thumb ring with pierced hares similar to Badger Ales (Hopping Hare), in sterling silver, attached to two rings

The second is a remake from old rings.....I am already in love with this ring and it is yet to be finished, when it is, I will post a thread of each stage.... this is the melt up of 3 rings, (parents engagement, eternity & wedding rings) into a single ring, assayed & hallmarked 18ct this week, plus some rubies to be added......

from this ......to this, setting next week...

I've really enjoyed seeing these two pieces come together....

Tabby xx

**caroleallen** · 29-03-2014, 10:22 PM

I love the hare ring Tabby.

**CJ57** · 29-03-2014, 11:23 PM

They are lovely Jill, what a lovely idea for family rings too x

**Tabby66** · 30-03-2014, 07:50 AM

Thank you both......it feels quite a privilege (and quite scary!!) to remake the family rings into one!!

**Dennis** · 30-03-2014, 01:51 PM

Your Hare ones are really fun, Jill. Look forward to seeing the other finished. Dennis.

**Petal** · 30-03-2014, 06:24 PM

Loving the hare ring too Jill. Thx for sharing your wip pics of the other ring; can't wait to see how it comes out and also nice to know I'm not the only one with black fingers like yours !

**Gemsetterchris** · 10-04-2014, 05:04 PM

The Bling-bling ring whilst ok, might have been better with a full spread of ruby/Sapp ( not my cup of tea either but...). Plus the grain work is lacking abit of finese..over polishing or just traditional style work maybe.

Just nitpicking abit. Small details don't matter to 99.9% of customers.

Sent from my HTC Desire S using Tapatalk 2

**Tabby66** · 10-04-2014, 09:22 PM

I have to agree with Peter in terms of traditional 'jobbing' and repairs,......that is unbelievable heart in the mouth stuff.....

Rebuilds are a different matter, I am clear at the beginning of the process that the customer knows that reclaiming of stones is unlikely to be 100%, that additional 'fresh metal will be added, particularly for settings, carat of metal cannot be guaranteed, but piece will be assayed, all diamonds are tested before the rings are touched,.......reduces the likelihood of being accused of swapping a stone,..........all have to be costed in, plus work, setting, additional stones.......and offsetting/ judging available metal you are being given.....I guess it can be a bit of a minefield!!

In terms of design, the rubies/sapphs all along the shoulders just seemed to increase the 'red,white & blue' look, the flat metal, at least gave some separation....?? Well, it's possible that I may be guilty of over-polishing (though it on;y got a bit of a lick once set)!! This guy is one of 2 setters I use, his work is generally good, but can be a bit hit and miss.....though I do discuss with him if i'm not happy,....to the eye this looks good, I most certainly bow to your better eye and experience regarding setting Chris!!

The style of the ring I like, in fact I quite covet (if I could choose my own mix of stones ;D)!!

Thanks for all your comments, I have really enjoyed the learning involved in making this piece,.....seems to be a bit of a marmite one!!

**Gemsetterchris** · 11-04-2014, 05:19 AM

No doubt it looks great, blame the fact of being able to zooom in on stuff these days!
It's easy to criticize under magnification, I do it to myself quite abit..I also have a habit of sharing my thoughts rather than safely keeping quiet