Good morning! Today I thought I would take a stroll down memory lane and post some pictures of my Divine Divas, from my Circle Craft show in 2003. My inspiration was based on the fact that I had quite a few large gemstones that were in my collection for a long time (years), begging to be set into wonderful, over the top cocktail rings. I made nine individual rings, with the defining element being that the stone had to be BIG.
Because who doesn't want a huge rock to wear once in while and get in touch with our inner Diva? These rings all had names since a Diva definitely has attitude so needs a distinct identity. I'll start with that first image on the the top left- "Leaf Me Alone" she was a beautiful rectangular cut rose quartz set in sterling silver with 18kt yellow gold ivy leaves with grape detail. The ivy leaves were both decorative and functional, helping to set the stone in place. Soft yet substantial, commanding but subtle. I also like the fact that a large gemstone doesn't have to be obscenely expensive as rose quartz is very affordable and oh so girly!
My second Diva, "Nefertiti" was a sterling silver ring with 18kt yellow gold accents featuring a beautiful green tourmaline cabochon in the center, flanked by two baguette-like clear quartz cabochons on either side. The ring was a hollow construction, meaning that to reduce weight, I fabricated the ring using separate elements and soldered it all together to get that full, hefty look without it weighing a ton. I added some gold pyramids as design details and decided that this one was very Egyptian to me, hence her name, after the beautiful Queen of ancient Egypt.
This Diva is "Passion Ivy" featuring a 2.00ct pale pink tourmaline set in 14kt yellow and white gold. She was more demure in that the stone wasn't the biggest of the bunch but she had a quiet dignity and grace.
"Appelez-moi Vénus" was a sterling silver ring with 18kt yellow gold accents featuring a large round chrysocolla cabochon. This particular stone was at least 2cm in diameter and looked like Earth from space. The trapped malachite inside the crystal was very evocative and reminded me of Venus and her birth, out of the sea.
"Athena" A sterling silver ring with 18kt yellow gold accents. The ring was another hollow construction, featuring a rectangular cut amethyst. The side details showed scrolls and also gave a glimpse of the stone's depth.
"Guinevere" This ring was probably the most expensive one as it was all in 18kt yellow gold and was quite hefty. It featured a gorgeous rutilated quartz cabochon that had a mystical, almost magical quality to it. It reminded me of Arthurian times, medieval and majestic.
"I Know You Want Me" This ring was all 18kt white gold featuring a 12.00ct danburite, an uncommon stone that was named for the place it is found, Danbury, Connecticut. It looks a lot like a huge diamond, complete with lovely dispersion, those rainbow colours that flash in certain stones, primarily diamonds and some coloured stones, although it is more rare. This danburite, although not as hard as a diamond, definitely can fool the untrained eye. It is beautiful and cannot be ignored and everyone at the show wanted it...hence the name... I kept this one for myself, I had to have at least one Diva for me! There are four small blue sapphires in the scroll detail on the sides for an extra touch of luxury.
"Apollonia" 18kt yellow gold featuring a saddle-cut citrine and two 0.10ct princess cut diamonds on either side. A simple setting showing as much of the stone as possible. It reminded me of the sun, and since Apollo is the sun god but this was about Divas, this became Apollonia.
"Her Purple Highness" Sterling silver featuring a beautiful amethyst cabochon. Again, a hollow construction based on a how-to guide for making a classic signet ring from one of my goldsmithing books. It was regal and unassuming.
So there you have it for today. I hope you enjoyed the Divas. Hard to believe they are ten years old now. All since gone to lucky owners and hopefully, living the Diva life!
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