The Ring

I have not fabricated jewelry for several years, so when a friend mentioned that she wanted a ring to go with a fused glass pendant and a pair of earrings, I got excited at the prospect. She lives in another part of Texas; therefore, I decided to do an adjustable ring. When one's silversmith skills are rusty, you look for ways to do a piece where you do not have to be exact!

I envy those that can at an instant visualize a finished design; I am not one of those. I came up with the first step, picture to the left about three or four weeks ago. The past few weeks I've been mulling over how to finish the ends and mount the cabochon because normally the ends would be soldered together. I wish I could post a drawing, but alas, I'm not one of those people that can draw -- the idea exists in my mind which ultimately is transferred to the finished product, but no way can I draw it out. I think I made a D in Art when last in school.

There have been several roadblocks to even begin working on the ring from sawing into my finger when cutting the ring stock, blood dripped everywhere, to running out of oxygen within ten minutes of lighting the torch, to a split oxygen hose after connecting the oxygen refill tank. I am ready to work, I hope! Surely, nothing can stop me now, can it?

You know what is truly wonderful about retirement? Nothing has to be done on schedule because there is none. :D

Until next time, God bless.