This is a bold ring made of sterling silver and two jasper cabochons, one mostly red and the other mostly green. One stone sits on top of the other, creating drama, as does the thick double-layered band that is heavily patterned and textured. The tall bezels around the stones are also textured to create a sandblasted effect. The silver has been given a dark patina to give the ring an aged look. The bottom stone in its setting is 23mm x 20mm. The ring band is 13mm wide.

Let me introduce myself: I am Joy McDonell, a Canadian jewellery artist who has practised stone cutting and polishing at the Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club, and metalsmithing in my studio, for over 20 years. My tastes and designs are very eclectic, as you can see from visiting my Etsy shop, JoyMcDonellJewellery. My background in photography has informed my work, and I am inspired by natural objects and by the culture and motifs I have encountered throughout my travels to places like India, Scotland, Ireland and the American Southwest.

A word about the care of sterling silver jewellery. It does tarnish when exposed to air. That is because it is 925 parts per thousand silver and 75 parts per thousand copper. So don't leave it lying around, jumbled up with other jewellery. Keep it in a sealed plastic bag or a box. I usually include a small piece of tarnish-resistant tissue with my silver pieces. A soft silver cloth every now and then does wonders, as does wearing your silver jewellery often.

In an effort to get your item(s) to you as safely as possible, I usually wrap them in tissue and place them in a gift bag or box, then wrap them in bubble wrap and ship them in a cardboard box or bubble envelope.