YOJ Week 10 - Composite Opal Ring

I came across this piece of composite opal at the Tucson Gem Show and have been admiring it daily, while waiting for the muse to give me some direction. We have been in a ring making rut for quite some time now, she and I, she's a stubborn thing and feels we're no where near exhausting all the wire/stone ring design options.

But this one gave me fits! There's no hole in the stone, so getting it stabilized, centered and laying flat was somewhat of a challenge. I restarted it approx 5 times, getting 2 out of 3 cooperating, then realizing there was no way to get all 3. Flung it more than once...

It did finally come together and I am fairly pleased with the outcome. Photographing the piece to get a nice shot of it's "opal-ness" was yet another challenge. Proud of myself for resisting the urge to fling my camera.....

YOJ Week 6 - Reclaimed & Repurposed 17th Century Ring

I found this 17th century reclaimed ring amongst a pile of old brass & bronze pieces a dealer was selling at the Tucson Gem Show. The dealer claimed all his pieces were found in the fields of Russia. No certificate of authenticity was available but one of the other shoppers who had bought previously assured me they were genuine. So I took a chance and bought this sweet little ring, I'm imagining it being worn by a hard working farmer wife who probably owned one piece of jewelry her entire life. The stone was missing so after some trepidation, I decided to glue a garnet cab into the bezel setting. It would only fit upside down, but I think it's kinda cool. What do you think?

Au Revoir Tucson!

I had the best time and can't wait to see you again next year! I could've done without the camera enforced speeding ticket, but otherwise super enjoyed my 10 days here. Oh, and I only lost my wallet once and my keys twice, some kind of a record for me, usually I loose the cell phone a couple times too.  :-)

Here are a few more high lights from the past week and a half....

Teaching the WireKnitZ Crossover Cuff at To Bead True Blue.

Shopping at Motel Row where I always find the coolest stuff, check out this stash of roman glass!

 My new gemmy friend, Szarka of Magpie Gemstones.

Meeting tool guy Kevin Potter and ordering a custom made hydraulic press with a purple powder coat finish....I swear I almost swooned....

Heading home sweet home, always one of my favorite parts of a trip! :-)