Opal Neptune Ring - Trident and Waves

Opal Neptune Ring by York Avenue Studio

Completely hand sculpted in Fine Silver using Silver Art Clay, this Genuine White Opal ring features a gorgeous oval Opal with accent gems of Yellow Sapphire and Deep Red Garnet.  The nautical design flows with waves that continue around the entire ring band.  The three prong mighty Trident curves up from the side and directs the eye to the beautiful Opal.

This post is a follow up post that I showed some of the steps while making this ring design.  Click here for Part 1: Metal Clay Ring Fired Flat

Opal Neptune Ring by York Avenue Studio

The White Opal is 7x5mm oval set into a bezel to protect and secure the precious gemstone.

Opal Neptune Ring by York Avenue Studio

The Yellow Sapphire and Garnet gems were set using Syringe silver metal clay and Silver Overlay Paste, then fired in place.

Along the way, I made molds of the formed piece which will allow me to reproduce this ring and use variations with different gemstones.

I'd love to hear what you think of this new design.
Kathy

2012 Spring/Summer Collection Revealed!

Trident Earrings by York Avenue Studio

Here is my 2012 Spring/Summer Collection!  This is a special collection because I combined Silver and Gold with genuine gemstones, focusing on the colors of Red White and Blue and incorporating lots of detail while keeping the items small and also affordable.

Tiny Maple Earrings by York Avenue Studio

Silver metal clay opens up so many possibilities for designs.  I love using real leaves to capture tiny details using the actual leaves as the mold.

Maple Seed Earrings by York Avenue Studio

I love the contrast of color between Silver and Gold.  Some designs have 14K yellow Gold and I've used 14K Gold Filled for others.

Horse Shoe Earrings by York Avenue Studio

Each design has tiny detail, like this Horse Shoe with the handstamped textures.

Gold Pear Hoop Earrings by York Avenue Studio

The gemstones in this collection include Freshwater Pearls, Turquoise, Garnet, Red Jasper and Crystal Quartz.

Herkimer Diamond Ring by York Avenue Studio

My signature design style is rustic and shabby chic, and I love to take a minimalist approach to interpret themes of Nature.

Super Long Necklace and Earring Set by York Avenue Studio

I've enjoyed showing my 2012 Spring/Summer Collection to you!  Let me know what you think!

Turquoise and Red Earrings by York Avenue Studio

Metal Clay Ring Fired Flat

Here are some photos as I work on a project.  This is a ring top made with Art Clay Silver.  I have yet to complete this ring, but wanted to share some of the steps I've done so far.  This ring was fired flat and then bent to shape!  I'll post follow up photos as I progress. 

The blue mold was made from a copper metal clay model that I formed earlier.  The original drawing was made first in polymer clay, a mold made, then copper in that mold.  I used a two part Megamold compound from Cool Tools to make this mold from the copper model.  Shown in the photo is a bit of silver metal clay that has been kneaded under plastic wrap ready to use and my Silicone glove hand lotion as a release agent so the clay won't stick in the mold.

I pressed the metal clay into the mold and let it dry.  Once dry, it came right out and I sanded and filed the piece.

Here is the piece still in the sanding stage.  I use a dry paint brush to brush the clay sand off so I can see the detail better.  The plastic tub with the lid is my slip jar, a recycled baby food container!

This is as far as I wanted to go with the sanding.  The delicate structure will be stronger after firing and safer to refine the details.  Two holes where I will set gems, the middle space is for a bezel setting.

Nice orange glow as I torch fired the piece.

Cooling off on the firebrick.

Tumbled for an hour in steel shot, water and dish soap.  This work hardens the silver and polishes. 

I dapped the piece lightly using a curved wooden block to dome it a start the curve shape.  The ring top was made flat, however, the design is for the top to curve along the top of a size 5 ring.  I used my torch to anneal and heat up the silver again until it glowed a bit and then let it cool until I could touch it.  I hammered with a rawhide mallet against a wood mandrel, then switched to my steel mandrel for the final curve shape.

Ring top resting on my size 5 finger, nice curve.  Perfect for the ring band to connect.

Next, I will be using syringe, overlay paste, bezel and prong settings, pattern wire........more updates to come!