Half Eternity Ring

This is the first project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. I have always wanted an eternity ring, but after making the one in Stage 8 I realized that they are somewhat uncomfortable. This ring is a perfect compromise since it looks like an eternity band and wears like a ring, and I’m so happy I happened to make it in my size!

What were the challenges?

Phew. This one was a challenge from top to bottom, which I fully expect from all the projects in this stage. I initially struggled with casting ingots that didn’t have cracks in them. I’m not sure what’s happening that I’m having such a problem recently. It’s amazing how difficult it is to mark equal sections at get the lines perfectly straight on all four sides of the setting, not to mention getting the holes in exactly the right location. The final real challenge was getting the head set into the shank.

Where could I improve?

I could improve on all aspects of this ring, and might try it again before I submit my work for review. The biggest issue I had, however, was getting the head set into the shank, and I ended up with a gap on the inside of the ring. I also forgot to cut a slot out of the bottom of the rail under the setting.

What did I learn?

I have always had trouble cutting the seats for flush settings, and this is the first time where I’ve successfully had the stones “click” into place. What a great sound! The setting went pretty smoothly on this project, which is really encouraging. Also, last project where I had to fit the setting into the shank like this, I really struggled. I still struggled this time, but I think I understand it better now. I look forward to trying it again.