Nine Stone Cluster Ring

This is a project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. Previously I mentioned being intimidated by these projects. Well, that hasn’t changed. They are hard. So hard that it’s almost not fun. But it still is…. in a torturous kind of way. This project was a culmination of just about every skill I’ve learned in this program.

What were the challenges?

I think the real challenge in this project is to get the spacing for the stones exactly right, as well as the measurements for the symmetry of the pattern. Cutting the pattern and keeping the symmetry is also very difficult.

Where could I improve?

There are many things that could be improved on this project, although overall I’m quite happy with how it turned out. The smaller stones need to be closer to the claws for the type of setting that was recommended (I couldn’t do that due to the large space), and there is too much room around the outside of the smaller stones. When I was cutting the slots for the claws, I misjudged the angle so there are some gaps between the claw and the top piece. Not very noticeable in the finished piece, but still there. The marquis shaped cut-outs on the shoulders need to be larger, at least more needed to be cut from the inside. The spiderweb pattern on the back of the setting needs to be better about the points of the pattern meeting.

What did I learn?

One new thing I learned in this project, that unfortunately I wasn’t able to use, is a technique of bead setting by pulling the material down the claw. Before starting this project I spent a couple of days going through Peter’s flush setting lessons, determined that I was going to be able to confidently flush set stones. After hours and hours of practice, and lots of failed attempts, I can now say that I can flush set. Each of these stones went in perfectly! I enjoyed doing a different thing with the shoulder this time. I love learning all of these different options! Makes it so much easier to come up with new designs when you have experienced more of the possibilities. Mostly, I learned that I can accomplish what on the outset seems impossible! I dragged my feet beginning this one since I didn’t think I would be able to do it, and I’m just thrilled with how it turned out, flaws and all.