This ring features a Labradorite cabochon with a stunning blue flash. The stone is encased in .999 fine silver and seated on .925 sterling silver. The swirling pattern band is also .925 sterling silver.
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My process: I sized the bezel to fit the cabochon and then soldered it closed. The bezel was then soldered to a piece of 22 g sterling silver. The flower casting was then soldered to the backplate just above the bezel. The backplate was cut down to the appropriate size and shape using a jeweler's saw and then hand filed for smooth edges. The swirl patterned wire was then cut to size and shaped into a ring using a ring mandrel and hammer. The ring band was then soldered to the back of the backplate. The entire ring took a short bath in a silver blackener. The ring was then polished leaving enough of the darker finish to bring out the detail. The finished ring setting then took a spin in the tumbler to shiny and hard. Finally, the stone was set and the final polish was completed.
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For my fellow rock geeks: Labradorite is a feldspar mineral known for its schiller effect. This Labradorescence is actually the light reflected from within the stone that observers see as blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.
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Materials: Fine silver, Sterling silver, Labradorite
Dimensions: approximately 3/4" (19 mm) tall by 5/8" (15.9 mm) wide. The swirl patterned band is a 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.