Hiding Ashes in a Gold and Birthstone Ring
This was hands down one of my most lovely and thought provoking commissions to date. I am always moved by the incredible stories behind the jewellery I am asked to make.
This particular ring followed a beautiful wedding ring set made from a beloved grandfathers Gold stock from his jewellers shop. Working with another jewellers Gold is immediately very touching and to be able to breathe new life into the material so his Granddaughter could wear it is a very special way to remember.
So, the brief was ;
A ring made with sentimental Gold
Set with my clients birthstone ( we chose Alexandrite for its gorgeous sea green colour and hardness)
A ring with a hidden compartment for ashes
Claws and sparkle!
We didn't want the main focus to be the fact that it is a memorial ring. I designed a clever little compartment in the base of the head for a tiny little memory to be encased. This way you would never know it was there.
Finding the right June Birthstone
June has some fun birthstone options, Moonstone, Pearl and Alexandrite. Moonstone is gorgeous but quite soft, Pearl is often impractical and bridal but Alexandrite....this one is a real surprise to most people.
The Alexandrite took time to source too, it's a hugely variable stone which varies from crystal clear to cloudy and mystical. My client loved the sea green colour and as a Jeweller I loved the fact that its 8.5 on the MOHS scale which means its not far off the hardness of sapphire, certainly a good option for rings which take a bit of wear. Paired with diamonds you have all the sparkle and the endurance.
As you can see the colours vary from peridot green through to milky teal. The quality does vary depending on budget but it's surprising how much variation there is and sometimes character really adds to the beauty of the stone.
The stone we settled on was beautiful, clear and uniform but took quite a bit of searching. Well worth it I'd say! And the real hidden highlight of Alexandrite...
Is it's unusual colour change ability. Under UV light some Alexandrite material will change colour, some of course more than others. Isn't that magic!
Pop me an email at amywallisjewellery@gmail.com if you like the look of these magical Alexandrites or would like to add a little secret to your own jewellery piece.