Spring Engagement

This ring, that was finished last year is made from 9ct yellow gold and old cut diamonds. The diamonds were from a ring that belonged to Granny and there was a lot of discussing about whether all three stones should be used or just the largest one as a solitaire but I just knew all three would make this ring look really lush. The finished ring absolutely delighted the couple and me.

Congratulations I and T.  

It was an absolute pleasure making this for you both. 

Snakes

Aeon, the deity representing eternity

The tortoise carrying the world

Snake rings

9ct yellow gold with sapphire eyes

&

9ct yellow gold with diamond eyes

photo by Terence Bogue

Chrysoprase Beads

Today I put the finishing touches to this neckpiece. These irregularly shaped nuggets of beautiful Chrysoprase were mined in Australia. This piece will be available at e.g.etal from tomorrow.

9ct yellow gold clasp, Australian chrysoprase, braided cord

chrysoprase |ˈkrisəˌprāz|
noun
an apple-green variety of chalcedony containing nickel, used as a gemstone.
• (in the New Testament) a golden-green precious stone, perhaps a variety of beryl.


ORIGIN Middle English (in the New Testament sense): from
Old French crisopace, via Latin from Greek khrusoprasos, 
from khrusos ‘gold’ + prason ‘leek.’

Turquoise and Gold

Arizona Turquoise Beads & 9ct yellow gold.

This neckpiece is available at e.g.etal. After finishing this neckpiece I have to admit I did think about keeping it for myself. I have always loved turquoise and as a teenager talked my parents into buying me a watch with a turquoise band that I was sure I would wear for EVER. I havn't worn the watch in ages but I just might use its turquoise for earrings.......

Wedding Rings

I meant to post this yesterday as I have had weddings on my mind.

On Saturday I attended the lovely E & C's wedding and it was a wonderful ceremony (I cried during the vows!). The bride looked lovely the groom got emotional, it was ace.

We then all drank, ate and danced to the couples health.
Check out KB's post who also attended.

signet wedding ring, 9ct white gold, 18ct yellow gold, cognac diamonds, champagne diamonds

18ct yellowgold

18ct white gold, princess cut diamond, princess cut African rubys

9ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, green tourmaline, diamonds

And I couldn't finish a wedding post without letting my good friend from the 5th C BC Sappho have the last word...........

fragment 30

girls 

all night long

might sing of the love between you and the bride 

            with violets in her lap

IF NOT WINTER

fragments of Sappho by Anne Carlson

Bronzite Drop Earrings

Everything has calmed down since the OPEN STUDIOS Nicholas Building event and I have gotten back into making new stock. These earrings are made from sterling silver that has been oxidised, 9ct yellow gold with natural bronzite drops that are 22mm x 8mm.

I've called them 'Hephaestos' after the God of fire, metals and metallurgy. He also ruled over the volcanoes and was the son of Zeus and Hera.

Lapis Lazuli Neckpiece

This neckpiece recently came back to me to be rethreaded (beads and pearls need this extra care from time to time). It was like seeing an old friend. This may sound strange but I really enjoy seeing how a piece of jewellery I have made has changed with wear. I believe this is a really important part of a pieces history.

When I first made the clasp I gave it a brushed finish to compliment the matt finish of the tube shaped Lapis beads. Through wear it has polished up and has a lovely patina.

The clasp can be worn at the back of the neck or the side and amongst the beads are also three hand made 9ct yellow gold disk shaped gold beads.

Bangle

Just before Christmas last year I was commissioned to make a bangle to commemorate a baby's birth. This oval bangle is the result, it is made from 9ct yellow gold and is gypsy set with 14 Champagne Diamonds.The 3 central larger diamonds symbolise the three members of this new family.