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If you've been following my blog this year, you know that I've been working on a new collection, inspired by Pirates. The idea of this actually started several years ago, when I made my first Secret Pirate Treasure Map Ring. Since then, I've made about 6 rings in this series. This weekend I created another piece in this series. The Ship's Log Pirate Ring All the captain needs, in a portable, battery free, finger top model. Features - swivel desk for any orientation (suggested use on non-dominant hand). Attached inkwell. Attached, replaceable quill. Leather bound log book with decorated endpapers. Genuine blue Kyanite stone. Engraved "Ship's Log" and "Respect the Sea". Special holes for tying down in rough seas. Materials - copper, brass, silver, Kyanite, feather, cork, paper, leather. I'm finally starting to embrace my inner Pirate and go full tilt boogie on this collection. It's so much fun. I plan to update the site soon, so that you can see all the pieces in one place. Some items will be more collectible than wearable and there will also be very wearable and affordable pieces. Please follow the blog so you'll be notified when it's ready.
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My idea of the perfect day goes like this. I take a walk on the beach in the morning. I find some little treasure that has it's own story. I bring it home to my studio. I create a new piece of work, using this object. I take a picture and share it with my friends online. Just in case you ever wondered - there are many ways to get to the same result in jewelry making. Most people, jewelers included, will just buy a clasp from a jewelry supply store. Most of those pieces are made overseas where the workers are paid pennies, or they are stamped out in factory machines here, so that there is little labor cost. I'm still trying to find a good balance between making every part of a piece from the raw metal or buying some of the components like chain and clasps. Anyway, here are some pictures of a clasp I made recently. First the pattern is copied onto tracing paper and glued onto the metal. Then I use a jeweler's saw to cut it out. This is not too easy, as it must be thick metal to be strong enough for a clasp. When the pieces are just sawn out, they are flat. I use files and sandpaper to round them and smooth them. Then the components are put together. This is a very simple clasp, called a sister clasp, or fold over clasp. It took more than an hour to make. The only way it is cost effective for me, is if it is attached to a necklace that is outstanding. So...back to the bench. Today the sun feels great. Spring is coming and the birds are singing. I made a pendant to celebrate this special feeling - when all good things seem possible.  I hope you have a great day and enjoy the promise of the sunrise.
 Making cross jewelry I'm busy in my shop making crosses.  Silver Cross Earrings I'm always trying to figure out why we wear jewelry. One of the reasons, I believe, is to declare our beliefs to the world. A simple symbol can become a powerful statement. During Spring, a metal cross is the perfect gift for Easter, Mother's Day, Confirmation and Communion. It's also sweet as a graduation gift. I offer silver and copper crosses, with free personalized engraving or stamping on the back. They are fun to make, but keep me busy. Get your orders in soon!    I'm going back to basics. After spending a year making a ring a day in 2010, I'm starting all over again with my approach to rings. Yes, even after all those rings, I still have so much to learn and explore about rings.  There is one piece of adornment that the majority of both men and women wear every day. It's a simple, plain wedding band. A symbol of love and commitment and indicator of relationship status. A simple wedding band ring was the first piece of jewelry that I made when I learned to solder. I felt such joy when I made my first ring. Yesterday, I made this simple silver band and felt the same joy again. Just enjoying the process and the wonder, that there is a piece of jewelry that is treasured by so many. It's not about trends or the latest style. It's not about art jewelry. It's something much more ancient and universal. It's somehow a part of the reason I make jewelry, although I struggle to use words to define this. I've made this ring available for custom order, for any size and inscription, through my Etsy shop. If you'd rather order directly from me, just use the contact form.    |
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 Mary Lu Wason
is a studio jeweler. Here she shares the inspirations, discoveries and process of creating her art jewelry collections. @PirateTides on Instagram Subscribe
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