Custom Pieces

Pictures of two custom pieces I created this week in 14k gold:

Plait (left), Iota (right)

Update on stone wax project

Front View

As suspected, I wasn't able to finish the piece...but at least it's getting there. I can finish it off at home and then get the garnet set...that is, if I like the end product. I'm not sure about this yet, it may be too
chunky?

Side view

Back view

Top view after rounding the edges

With the garnet

Progress

Practice makes perfect, so I've been diligently working away on one ring design which I was asked to (re)create. The ring is an homage to a ring I saw in Argentina at Marcelo Toledo' s workshop. It's been purposefully altered, so as not to plagiarize. Time worked so far, 3.5 hours. I'll take this in to class on Monday to get finishing suggestions from the instructor.

Materials

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 3

I'll post the finished piece once it's been cast.

And two more

Since I missed two wax classes, I'm feeling like I need to make up and work at breakneck speed to produce more than one measly piece. I only have one more class left and I'm afraid I'm going to leave it brokenhearted if this happens. My alternative plan is to see if I can work one on one with the instructor to finish up the pieces once class is over.

These are two additional pieces I am currently in the midst of making:

Ring blank and design

Design transfer

Work in progress

Work in progress

One additional note: When I do this at home, I use a dremel. When at the studio, I use the appropriate tool, a foredom flexshaft. After an hour of carving at home today, I realized my hand was numb from holding the dremel (it's a little awkward and heavy). I decided that was my cue that it was time to take a break. If anyone feels generous and would like to donate a flexshaft and hanging stand my way, I'd happily accept. :)

Wax Ring

A bit of traveling took over for awhile and I've missed the last two wax classes, however I have pictures of what I will be working on next week...the idea is to carve two bands surrounding a stone in the center. Right now I'm not so convinced the route of a chunk of wax was the best to take. I may have had an easier time doing the bezel and rings separately...let's see what happens on Monday...

This stone will sit in the center
of the ring 

This chunk of wax will eventually
become two rings

Marking the center lines

Carving out the bezel