This ring was featured in my article, "Stacked and Riveted Eye Rings", in the Winter 2012 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry! It's an elegant and graceful member of my Eye Ring series, which were inspired by the old Evil Eye-prevention amulets found in many parts of the world...the eye is an ancient symbol of protection.
This sturdy riveted ring features two vintage coins from old British West Africa, both from the reign of George VI. The larger of the two is a half-penny and is made of nickel, while the smaller is a tenth-penny made of bronze. These coins were struck with large center holes, which I fill with brass washers to stabilize them on the rivet. Above them is one of my handmade fine silver beads, and a hammered brass washer.
Two large nesting bezels support the stacked elements. The inner one is bronze and was hammered on a section of railroad track from the old Madrid, New Mexico coal mines. The larger bezel is sterling silver and was hammered on desert rock. Because the bezels are gently curved upward, the ring is very comfortable to wear.
Beneath, the shank is of riveted sterling silver, also hammered on railroad track. It's been attached to the bezels with two rivets for stability, and connected at the base with a third rivet. You'll see that it tapers at the base for a more comfortable fit...people are surprised at my shows to see how comfortable these big rings actually are!
I cut, shape and finish all of my metal components by hand--the only power tool I use is a drill. This gives my work an organic, natural feel that machines can't reproduce, and no two rings are alike. This ring was lightly oxidized and finshed to a soft shine which will be enhanced with wear. It's tough and you can wear it anywhere!
Size: Ring size 8. The outer bezel measures just over 2" x 1 3/8".
Care: Wash with soap and water as needed. Allow the patina to deepen naturally or buff the high spots with a jeweler's polishing cloth.
The Granite Eye will arrive giftwrapped in a hand-decorated box, along with a handwritten descriptive label.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
