Note: This post was originally published on February 16, 2009

I don’t normally do much in the way of sketching when it comes to designing my jewelry.  And when I say “normally,” I actually mean never.  This year, however, I have a very special project in mind and whilst looking for design ideas, I realized that some sketching was definitely in order.

Ring_1

What is this special project you ask?  It is a companion piece for the novel I’m writing.  I want to make a ring that is given to my main character, Isabel Wilde, by her brother, who is a goldsmith.

I have my hear set on using a ruby for this ring, set in 18k yellow gold and flanked with diamonds and possibly pearls.  In the sketch to the left, the center stone would be a faceted oval ruby and the four smaller circles would be pearls.  The little dots would be pave-set diamonds.

Such a piece will challenge my jewelry making skills but with the exception of the pave, it is all well within my abilities.  I will send it out to have the diamonds set, however.

Ring_2
 

I find the design to the right much less appealing.  It is more a case of just exploring shapes and sizes than it is a design I would use.  I don’t remember if the smaller circles were diamonds or pearls in this design.

 

 

Ring_3

In this design I experimented with an emerald cut stone as well as a couple of pearr shaped stones on the sides.  I’m not sure what the side gemstones would be–although I have always been partial to the combination of red (ruby) and gold (citrine).  The small circles around the perimeter would be pave set diamonds.

Ring_4

Finally, I tried a pear-shaped ruby in the design.  The bottom circle would be a pearl and the smaller circles diamonds, as in the other designs.  I have not been a fan of pear-shaped stones until the last few years.  Now I really like them.

In anticipation of using this design or perhaps something similar, I bought a cheap ruby on eBay:

Ruby

I do not know yet whether I’ll use it since I need to see it in person.  If I can’t find a ruby I can afford I’ll use a red garnet.  For some reason I visualize this ring as having a red stone and a garnet will work almost as well as a ruby.

5 Replies to “2009 Recap #4: Jewelry Sketches”

  1. pearl jewelry says: May 8, 2009 at 1:23 am

    I think a ruby is better for the time period,too!

  2. Holly West says: February 17, 2009 at 9:20 pm

    Gee Laurie, I hope I don’t have anything to do with that. 🙂
    I have become so tight-fisted since the economic crisis started. It’s like I’ve turned over a new leaf. No spending! (Which is part of the problem, I know!)

  3. Laurie (Moo!) says: February 17, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    For some reason I have the urge to buy jewelry.
    It looks like you’re off to a great start. The bottom ring looks very pretty. Good luck!

  4. Holly West says: February 16, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    My plan was to use a synthetic stone–but I’m not sure I’ll be able to find one big enought. Even for the garnet it’s heard (well for me at least) to find a stone of the size I want. That said, it’s not like I’ve scoured the earth for one–I just looked on eBay and Rio Grande. I need to take a trip downtown to the jewelry district to see what I can find.

  5. Antoinette says: February 16, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I think a ruby is better for the time period. Ditto on the pearls, great concept. A synthetic ruby shouldn’t be that pricy. A genuine one that big could be a lot though. I’m sure it won’t be a cheap ring, but beautiful and worth it. I’m excited to see the process.
    You know I’m a HUGE fan of pear stones. They’re so unique and enchanted. Everyone has round, but there’s something timeless and unique about a pear (to me.)

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