Three Claw Ring

This is my first project in Stage 3 of the Silver Program at Jewellery Training Solutions. Yippee! I finally get to make rings! My interest in making rings has really grown over the past year, and, while I’ve done a little stone setting here and there, I know that there is a lot I need to learn before I can really create what I see in my mind. I have a vision, combining the setting of small stones with the engraving that I’m learning. Both are a steep learning curve, but I’m up for it. Especially now that I have all this extra time since all my shows have been cancelled!

This project challenged us to create the setting for the stone with only a saw and files, no burs. Definitely made it more challenging, but it’s a great way to really understand the process.

What were the challenges?

This project challenged me from the very start. I had to remelt and pour the metal four different times since I had lots of cracking in my ingot as was rolling the wire for the ring. While I finally got a usable piece of silver, I still don’t understand why I’m having such an issue. The other challenge was creating the seat for the stone, especially since we weren’t to use any burs and only files and a saw.

Where could I improve?

Boy, where do I start? Lots can be improved with this, which is why I’m so excited to be to this part of the program! The biggest problems I see are:

• The stone is too high in the setting.

• The prongs are not pushed completely down flat against the stone.

• There are some slight gaps where the seat doesn’t completely contact the stone.

• The area right around the single prong and in the setting isn’t as polished as I would like.

• There are some sanding marks right next to the setting.

What did I learn?

I truly love every single one of these projects and learn so much with each one. In this project, we were instructed in how to use binding wire, and also got some more tips on using the saw. I also really worked on my finishing skills.