Engagement Ring Done!!!

Just a quick update on the engagement ring.  Ta-da!!! It's finished and delivered!!!

The Proposal

Ruby in Yellow Gold setting, satin finish

Now on to the commissioned wedding band with rubies and diamonds!

Wedding!!!

Some wonderful news from my elder daughter, Anna!  Her boyfriend, Nick, proposed to her while they were on vacation this past holiday - right after a tour of Graceland and bellies full of fried chicken (my favorite food, too)!


They are getting married August 4 here which is located between Chicago (where they live) and North Carolina.  It's a lovely location, especially for weddings.


And I'm honored to be asked to make her engagement ring and their wedding bands.  If you have been following my "oops" and "got it finally" process on my Facebook album, you know that I have been practicing - made 2 prototypes, one in copper and another in sterling, plus a floral embossed band in sterling.

Rainbow quartz in copper

Rainbow quartz in sterling

Wedding band in sterling

Now, I am ready to tackle the real thing but this time in rubies, my mother's diamonds and gold!  Wish me luck and these should become fabulous family heirlooms!

Classes and Workshops 2012!

It's been a while since my last update - I have been filling up my time with workshops and classes with several master jewelry artists, along with getting together with several talented JAR friends for a week of sharing fresh techniques and camaraderie.  


How do to keep your art fresh and interesting for you and your customers?


Here are a few shots from recent workshops with James Carter Studio, Carrboro, NC.  Check out his jewelry gallery.


Tube set diamonds

Suggested tools

Practice with CZs

Variations on Bezels

My finished bezel set pendant

Backside of my finished bezel set pendant

My next posting will be on my recent excursion 

into cloisonne enameling with Lillian Jones.