afmetalsmith: (Default)
afmetalsmith ([personal profile] afmetalsmith) wrote2007-01-28 06:08 pm

Finished!

Hammered-texture Ring with Filigree Hammered-texture Ring with Filigree
Sterling silver ring, with a hammered texture and filigree embellishment. Size 8.5US. A hammered texture made with a ball-peen hammer reminds me of the ripples on a pond when a gentle breeze is blowing. I went with that concept here, adding a wavy border on one side, and filigree coils whose shape reminds me of some Japanese drawings of waves. This is not the most practical of rings! Filigree tends to be delicate, and I don't think it would wear well.
Hammered-texture Ring with Filigree Hammered-texture Ring with Filigree


I'll just add here that it would make a fabulous crown for a spoiled Barbie doll, though it might be a hair big for that!
I did most of the work on this flat, then formed it into a ring. I'd decided that if I couldn't get the ends to line up seamlessly I'd stick an aquamarine cab over the join, in keeping with the water theme, but it all worked out well so I didn't need to. :)

I learned a lot about soldering filigree to heavier metal in this project! There are 10 filigree coils, and each needed to be soldered at both ends. While often I like a more open look with filigree, I was concerned that any non-soldered ends would catch on things in a ring, so everything is as sturdy as I could make it... which is not really all that sturdy for filigree, but I do love the look, and the play of textures.

[identity profile] themaskmaker.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 12:17 am (UTC)(link)
Oh my oh my oh my. It's beautiful. I'm in love.

[identity profile] afmetalsmith.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 07:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you! :)

[identity profile] fub.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 09:06 am (UTC)(link)
Great concept, and nice result. The lower photo makes it look like one of the 'waves' is bent towards the viewer -- but surely that is a trick of the light?

[identity profile] afmetalsmith.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 08:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you!

Yes, that's a trick of the light and reflections off the hammered surface- the ring itself is cylindrical. No protruding bits! (I'd probably poke my eye out with any sort of protruding point!)

[identity profile] afmetalsmith.livejournal.com 2007-01-29 11:23 pm (UTC)(link)
:) Thank you!

[identity profile] ellaperu.livejournal.com 2007-01-31 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
It is such a beautiful ring. I am very impressed!

I had a look at your website and fell in love with the green spider necklace. I just wanted to tell you that I thought it was wonderful.

I have added you to my friends list (hope you don't mind). I can't wait to see more of your work!