Milestone Rings

http://www.shonajewellery.co.uk/milestonerings.php

New Offset Ring & Alternative Stones

I have just had photos taken of new work and this piece is a variation on the Offset Diamond Ring currently available on my website. The setting and the stone are both larger in this new version. I will be adding this ring to my website in the next month.

A client who visited my studio saw the piece on display and commissioned me to make a version with a ruby to commemorate their 40th Wedding Anniversary. I've added a ruby image to the original photo give you an idea of what this will look like.

I am more than happy to create versions of my rings with alternative stones, especially as the stone can have personal significance.

Jewellery Brought Back to Life

I enjoy bringing old jewellery back to life, where stones with sentimental value can be re-used to re-connect with the present wearer. Have a look at these photos of recent commissions that I've been worked on.

The first image shows a stunning Double Circle Pendant with 3 diamonds which were taken from the client's ring on the right.

The second image shows  the re-use of 3 stones from the client's grandmother's engagement ring.  The stones were used to produce a puzzle ring and a necklace as a surprise 40th birthday present for the client.

The third image shows a set of stacking rings, re-using assorted stones from various rings that were provided by the client.

Happy New Year - Open on Saturdays - Gold

Looking forward to the next year with lots of exciting commissions and loads of new designs. After a very busy Christmas its back to the bench!

In the last few months of 2012 I enjoyed meeting more of my customers in the Hidden lane where my studio is based during the First Fridays events.

I'm now also open every Saturday, so more of customers can visit my studio and I'm looking forward to meeting more of you this year. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job are undertaking commissions for clients and making them something completely unique. One of my favourite metals to work in is Yellow Gold and I recently enjoyed the Gold episode of this wonderful series The History of Colours on BBC4 

I'm fortunate to be able to work with and manipulate this material into jewellery every day ...and I'm still in awe of its amazing colour and the possibilities it allows a jeweller.

Below are some examples of my favourite 18ct gold commissions. I'm looking forward to 2013 - what I will create this year?

proposal card

I've had a few commissions recently where the groom-to-be has wanted allow their partner to be involved in designing their own engagement ring. It's a great idea as it can be quite a daunting task choosing THE ring !

For those guys about to embark on this nerve racking process, I can supply an appointment card which can be presented like the one pictured above.

If you prefer, you can choose a loose diamond /precious stone to propose with and we can design the ring around this. This way of proposing can be equally romantic as you can then decide together and both enjoy the commissioning process.

Ruby Ring

I made this 18ct yellow gold ruby ring last week using a lovely untreated ruby. I love the colour of rubies and when combined with 18ct yellow gold and diamonds they look stunning.

I love using different precious stones such as rubies, but in the past I have been reluctant to buy them when the stone dealers have been unable to give me assurances regarding where the stones have been sourced. I don't want to play any part in supporting the import of Burmese rubies due to the current political situation in that country.

The ruby used in my ring is from a mine in southern Tanzania and was supplied by Ruby Fair, a partnership between British jewellers and local miners. They support a local orphanage and their aim is to supply beautiful stones whilst giving consideration to the welfare of the miners and the local ecology.

In the past, jewellery has had unfortunate links with unethical mining and a disregard for the environment. Recently this has began to change due to demand from more aware customers and from independent jewellers.

Dazzle Exhibition Glasgow

I’ve just sent some new work away that will be showing at the Glasgow Dazzle Exhibition. This includes the rings shown in the picture above. (from the top: Double Puzzle Ring, Two tone Ring and Offset Diamond Ring)

The Exhibition is being held in the Merchant Square in Glasgow and opens to the public on the 11^th of April , running until the 25th of April..

It is a great chance to see and buy contemporary jewellery from a selection of fantastic designers from all over the the Uk. I hope you can pop along to the Merchant City and visit.

U Shaped Rings

I am going to visit IJL in London on September 6th. This is a good opportunity to meet other jewellers and meet gallery owners. I have decided to promote my U - shaped rings. The U-shaped diamond ring and the Gold and Silver U-shaped ring can be worn together to create a unique combination.