Suggestion of water
My first stackable ring set, prong-on-bezel factoid, Taylor Swift's engagement ring
My latest rings have been a long time coming. Between the multi-step design refinements and the Obon holiday delays at the caster, months passed from my initial sketches to the final pieces.
From the start, my goal was to sculpt delicate bands that could be stacked together or worn alone. The inspiration came from the river near my home, where currents often run side by side yet twist in opposite directions. By pairing two minimalist bands, I hoped to subtly suggest water flowing around stones.
New rings
This river-inspired set contains two rings: the Everflow Ring and the Where Waters Meet Ring, featuring a violet 4mm tanzanite.
I’m especially proud of the Everflow Ring. I could easily see myself wearing it as my own wedding band; it’s delicate yet substantial enough to feel safe for everyday wear. For me, it’s also a reminder that with design, often less is truly more.
The Where Waters Meet Ring was both a technical challenge and a leap of faith for me. The 4mm tanzanite is moderate in size, but I felt nervous setting it. Stone setting is still very much a learning area for me and one I plan to keep practicing (definitely not always in 18 karat gold, where the stakes feel so high!). For smaller stones, I’m fond of semi-bezel settings. They have a clean, modern look and fit seamlessly into many designs.
I’m please with how the two rings each look on their own and especially happy with how they complement each other.
Current projects
In school, I am working on a pair of fabricated earrings with a prong-on-bezel setting. My Sensei (who is seriously fantastic and so knowledgeable) explained to me that when you look at high jewelry with this setting, you will often see a slight gap between the girdle of the stone and the top of the bezel. Initially you might assume that this is a mistake or misfit, but actually it is intentional. The gap allows more light in through to the stone and creates more sparkle.
Recent inspirations
The biggest pop culture story of the past week is of course that Taylor Swift got engaged. Awesomely, her ring was made by an emerging independent jewelry artist in NYC. I’ve followed the artist, Kindred Lubeck, for a few months now and love how unique her pieces are and how open she is about continuously learning new skills. Hopefully this will encourage more people to shop more handmade and artisanal.