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