BACK TO THE BENCH!

I needed to get back into manufacturing so this ring is like a practice run. Made from a "flower"disc, it's domed for depth and has a setting for an amethyst. Ideally the setting should have been integrated into the disc for added strength.

DUT JEWELLERY DESIGN DIPLOMA SHOW 2008

DIPLOMA SHOW 2008

It was a long road, but we eventually got there! I was really pleased with my display and very proud of my jewellery!

MY SHOWPIECE

Interesting story: I found this filigree disc at a scrap yard! I think it might have been a brooch once upon a time but, after cleaning it, I made it into a ring. This was the starting point for my filigree work and directly inspired my exam pieces.

MY EXAM PIECES

The ring with matching earrings and necklace. The stones are topaz.

A STATEMENT NECKLACE

The design for this silver filigree necklace evolved as I was manufacturing and definitely improved from the original. Making it asymmetrical added a more contemporary edge and prevented it from being too eastern.

AMULETIC RING

Now that it's finally finished, this ring is my favourite. It's based on the triquetra symbol, which has special significance to me and is set with my birthstone: a garnet.

BEAUTY IS PAIN

So named because putting it on is agony! Based on dragon wings, it does look fabulous on!

LOTUS WAX SEAL

This is an example of "jewellery that is not jewellery." Inspired by the lotus flower, it serves the same purpose as signet rings of old: It's used to make impressions in wax, either to seal envelopes or as a signature. On the left is the impression it makes, and surprise! it's the triquetra symbol.

FLOWER RING

This was my first attempt at working with 18ct gold. The idea was to design around a stone that was provided by a client. My stone was a synthetic blue spinel, which I replaced with an aquamarine when I had it set. The purple stones are iolites and the rim is pave set with diamonds.