Spark To Sparkle: Inspiration Behind the Shield Ring

Welcome to the third edition of my blog series, Spark to Sparkle.

Spark to Sparkle

Here's a look behind the scenes at how my pieces come to be...

The Shield Ring

This ring design was not derived from any visual inspiration, but rather a story that initiated the piece. It's the case of a symbolic design derived from a feeling.

I had a potential customer reach out to me with a generic yet also very specific request. It was generic in that she wanted a ring to be made, but she didn't yet know what it should look like. Many times, clients contact me and they know they want a certain shape, motif, or inscription. But in this case, she just told me a detailed story:

She was recently out of a bad relationship, and she was rebuilding her life in a safe space. She said that she felt like she needed a shield to continue to protect her from her past, but also something that would serve as a reminder of her strength and all that she had overcome. 

She told me she wanted something bold but not elaborate, a ring she could wear everyday. She told me she long admired my work, and was waiting for the right time to reach out.

The Design

The idea I came up with was based on the words she used as she told me her story: shield, protection, safety. I began picturing a ring like a protective piece of armor. I presented some options to her that were circular and rounded off, but they didn't feel right. She was immediately drawn to the second, more square-shaped concept that I sent to her. It had sharper edges, but also a soft feeling of being wrapped in something protective. A small bandage? But more elegant... An envelope of sorts. Not a shape to completely hide behind, but more like a small barrier, a piece meant to partially obscure.

The Shield Ring was created. A gently curving square, wrapping around the finger, with a small band to allow the shape to take precedence. I see it as a defense, a cover, and a screen, a shape that offers protection.

After she received her ring, I asked her if she would mind if I added it to my permanent collection, and she loved that idea. I thought it was a design that would appeal to others.

The Wear

The best part of this design is in the way that it wears. With the large area of the square surface exposed, that which begins as a smooth surface slowly becomes a canvas that shows the wear of daily life. As the ring is worn, it will acquire little nicks and bumps, all part of normal wear and tear on jewelry, and a metaphor for the armor that it truly is.

The beauty that is within the ring comes with age and wear,  as it symbolizes all of the encounters in the life of the wearer, and how they are affected along the way. It can be worn it as a reminder of durability and strength.

Read Spark to Sparkle: The Mopani Earrings about a nature-based design inspiration.

Read Spark to Sparkle: The Facet Earrings about an architecturally-influenced design.

Interested in custom jewelry? Get in touch.