I've been making a lot of these birthstone rings. They're a fun and inexpensive way to have a piece of jewelry made just for you. Being me, I've not been happy with just the original design. I've been encouraging people to choose something even a little bit more customized. This one will have a pearl for June, making a pearl cup is new for me, and she's asked for fewer bands on the ring. These stones aren't set yet, so it doesn't look quite as it will. Actually, she hasn't chosen stones, I gave her a choice of garnet colors and shapes as well. Here, I was worried that these would be boring, but they're giving me a chance to experiment with stone setting. The next set I'll be working on will be emerald cut stones. I'll have to add listings for the variations!
That was really the purpose of designing the birthstone stacking rings in the first place. Creating settings is my next skill goal. I think I've got a handle on the tube setting that's the basis of the orinial ring. The square stones will be very pretty. In fact, the design for the next ring will be a "Steelers" design. I'm pretty excited about that one, but a little afraid. New things!
I need a recommendation for a good stone setting book or video course. There are a few at Rio,
Like this course, or the book Creative Stonesetting, by John Cogswell which has been reviewed very well on amazon. But I'd love more feedback. Nothing would replace a class, I think, but I haven't found one and I've done OK so far on my own.
Anyway, I'm rambling.
It's been good to have a new skill to focus on while getting ready for this seasons shows. I can get overwhelmed in the process of preparing applications and improving my displays, and it's nice to feel like I'm still growing, even when my time is spent on non-jewelry projects.
-Simbelmynë
