Garnet and Sterling Silver

 I am wavering a bit on a name for this ring.  

The hand stamped band is along the same vein as the Turkish Delights charms I made awhile back.

The deep red of the garnets make me think of a Turkish Sultan.  

(and most specifically the Sultan's Harem)

Garnet is such a sexy, sultry color...

 I must say I am quite pleased with the band.

I am amassing quite a collection of stamping tools.

Using them in this manner makes me think of Zentangles.

I just start stamping and one thing leads to another.

I use this stamp and that to fill in spaces.

There is something about the repetition and methodical concentration 

stamping by hand requires.

And,

I got a new squarish ring mandrel that is supposed to produce rings

the true shape of the human finger.

The shape is very comfortable, and keeps the ring in place quite nicely!

 I really needed repetitive this week.  

My heart has been heavy for some time now.

Thank God for my work. 

I don't know what I would have done without it recently.

*

I went back to a favorite design element of mine.  

I just love the four stone cross.

Texture galore.

Heavy gauge sterling silver and gallery wire bezels.  

Yes, I think her name is the Sultan's Harem.  

I just can't get away from that sense of the

exotic

when I wear this ring.

US Ring size 8 

or made to order in your size.

amymarez@yahoo.com

*sold*
still available as a made to order item though!

This is new...

I've really been enjoying myself at work lately.  The more I make, the more I learn..the more I am learning, the more I want to make.  Trying new things, thinking of things I'd never thought of before.  It is like a natural progression.  My progression.  I am really enjoying the ride.

I have been working and experimenting a lot with twisted wire lately.   So much fun and the possibilities are really quite endless....a little tricky though, until I understood how it like to be handled ;).

Two weeks from today!  That's all I have left.  Two weeks, then show time!  I'm still trying not to get stressed out.  Well, back to work, just wanted to check in and let you all know I am still alive and kicking.  And how wonderful is it that it is October?  Glorious Fall is here.  I wasted no time in busting out my favorite fall and winter stone.  Garnet!!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

Arsenic and Old Lace

Growing up, my Mom always loved to watch old movies. One of my favorites was always Arsenic and Old Lace with Cary Grant. When I finished this ring, the name Arsenic and Old Lace just popped into my head, and I've not been able to think of this ring by any other name since. So. There it is.





The filigree against the oxidized sterling just gives this ring a whole dark lace vibe. I love the contrast between the lacy beauty of the filigree and the darkness of silver and the garnet.

Making this ring was an absolute joy for me. Everything went perfectly. My solder flowed, my pieces stayed in place. I can honestly say this ring is my best workmanship metalsmithing wise to date.

Unfortunately the piece I made right after this one didn't work out quite as well. But we won't mention that now will we?

Arsenic and Old Lace is in the Etsy shop. She is a US size 8. I am already envisioning earrings, pendants and bracelets with this same pattern!