This gorgeous ring features a freeform rosecut Iolite set in sterling and fine silver. The Iolite is a stunning dark bluish purple that the pictures couldn't quite capture. The ring band is simple and elegant.
My process: I sized the fine silver bezel to fit around the stone. Then soldered it closed and soldered it to sterling silver sheet metal. The sheet was trimmed with a jeweler’s saw and hand filed smooth. The fsterling wire was formed into a ring shank using a mandrel and hammer and then attached to the back of the backplate. The entire ring was dunked in silver blackener and then polished leaving just enough of the blackener to bring out the detail in the band. The ring then took a spin in the tumbler for a final polish and hardening before I set the stone.
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Here’s some info for my fellow rock geeks: Iolite is gem quality cordierite. Iolite could stand in for sapphire or tanzanite but it doesn't need to be heated to enhance its color.
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Materials: Fine silver, Sterling silver, Iolite
Dimensions: approximately 3/8" (9.5 mm) tall by 1/2” (12.7 mm) wide. Size 8
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Please keep in mind that all pieces of jewelry from Tabby Cat are handmade using natural gemstones. Handmade means that there may be marks from the tools used in the process of making the setting. Natural gemstones are just that- natural. They may have pits in the surface or inclusions visible in transparent and translucent stones. These things just add to the charm of piece.