From Conception to Completion

This is the process that goes into our Basic Man's Ring.

 

 

     Basic Man's Ring

A "Project ring"

Designed by Bob Brucker and Created by Carol Ahern-master goldsmith

         

   The starting point in any piece is the concept. The initial sketch is rather primitive but in my minds eye I can see the finished piece already. 

 

 

The Concept:

 

This particular ring will not win any awards for "economy" as the idea was to build what I feel is a nice mans ring without regard to cost, or labor involved... whatever it takes to make me to own a true masterpiece...   break the bonds of "reasonably or competitively  priced". it's a one time deal, do it right.

 

I wanted a ring that would require all of the skill and talent that Carol could muster... the best of her efforts,  talents and skills... "Push her to the limit" may be understated... I don't know, there are a lot of projects yet to be started..

Simplistic in design yet technically challenging from the foundation to the finishing touches.

It would have to have a timeless design possessing the qualities that appeal to "just" my sense of balance, justice and rhythm.

It needs to show quality Craftsmanship at it's finest, no short cuts!

Every detail had to be perfect and I wanted it to fit perfectly, exclusively for my own finger like an old  glove the moment I wear it.. 

 

It needs to have some "substance" to it. So it is 6mm thick, 12 mm wide, weight 34 grams (over 1 oz). If I am going to wear a ring,  want to know I am wearing a ring.

It needs to be recognized immediately as a quality piece of art by any old school master goldsmith or designer in any country. and this ring is... 

The ring itself needs to speak every language, cross every barrier and touch the sense of good taste (in those who have it to touch)

 

"This is the ring I want to pass down to my offspring. Something that will give me a lifetime of pride in ownership and equal pleasure in passing down to future generations." 

 

When someone asks "how good can it get?"

 

I want THIS ring to be a shining example

 

 

 

So between Carol and I, Here is what we came up with...

 

We proudly present the

 "Basic Mans ring"

 

 

This ring will require 4 separate carvings to complete. But I don't care. I am interested in seeing how MUCH  can put into this ring, not what I can get away with. and Prototypes are expensive anyway. I do feel fortunate this is my business and I am not having to "pay us" to make it! haha

 

A mold is made of the base and than cast in 18k 

Looks pretty rough coming out. 

 

 

 

 

With some filing and sanding and close inspection to make sure there in no pitting or porosity, no weak spots nothing to cause us grief for the future... this is the foundation of the piece. If any imperfection we start over now.  .

( It passes inspection.)

 

      

 

The top and side pieces are carved and cast. Each piece has to fit perfectly, and be solid through and through, There is a FAR less costly way to make this ring but..... I am looking for my design to "show" on the inside of the ring... now of course, To me, the inside of the ring is as important as the outside... Not all men feel this way, and not all men would spend an additional $1000 for it even if they did feel this way! But, again... this is my business. So I am compelled to have the best. (at least that's how i justify it)(S)

       

all looks pretty good except the sides don't fit properly. so we remake the side pieces.. one of those times when it doesn't pass inspection. So we cast again.... 

 

 

     

 unfortunately they come out even worse! So Back to try 3... it doesn't matter how many times it takes to get it right, as long as eventually it is right.

   

And the third time around it works fine. 

passes inspection with flying colors and fits perfectly (With a little "persuasion")

 

 

 

 

The sides and top are soldered in place,  the wax was carved with meticulous care and fits perfectly. as you can see. it's unfortunate they needed to be carved 3 times but I see this as just a simple stumbling block on the way to our goal.

                                                                        

 

the seats are cut for a gypsy setting. We would not recommend this type of setting for an emerald as they are a bit fragile especially in white gold which is more difficult but, again this is my show and  I want gypsy set emeralds in 18k white gold. Carol is worried and suggest we use blue sapphires. Nope, I want Emeralds.

 

It's getting close now!

Here you can see how the seats for the stones are all perfectly cut

 

 

 

 

the Emeralds are gypsy set successfully. Some extreme polish and buffing to bring out the high shine and..

and before the final polish, it is looking pretty good.

 

 

Click here for details and pricing information

 

Quite naturally, we often get ask the question "How much"...

 

I honestly would not sell this emerald ring for any amount as there are some things worth more than a profit. I have had honest offers of $5,000 and have passed them over. The ring has close to 100 hours of hand labor and was made specifically for me, how much is that worth? I don't know but certain it is substantial.

 

Knowing full well this is out of the budget considerations of most, and always looking for a challenge, we were asked to keep the design and reduce the cost by a customer who was wanting this design set with her 1/2 ct "hearts and arrows" diamond and we provided the sapphires.

 

So now we present you with the

 

  Basic Mans ring

   "economy model"

 

Our one tone solid version turned out to be a big hit with the customer, and we were able to bring this ring in with the sapphires , shipping and insurance for just under $1700.00. With the diamond center stone approx $5,000

 

Now I had always wondered what this ring might look like with diamonds and sapphires. Not being a "money guy" myself, I could not afford to put diamonds in my ring that would be deserving of it.

 

But, as chance would have it,

such a customer came wanting the same quality in his wedding band. Of course, I tried to talk him out of having it made "just like mine" citing it's cost and the time involved in making one, the absolute impossibility of ever having it resized, the added risk of gypsy setting stones using primitive hand tools,  but we were easily persuaded when he told us he would be using some of the finest diamonds we have had the pleasure of working with.

 

So we present you with the

Basic Mans ring

 "Premium model"

 

We were able to deliver this ring for under $3,000 and with stones of this quality approx $10,000.

 

A thinner lighter weight model was requested by the next Customer who also used hearts and arrow branded diamonds

 

as long as your budget and expectations are reasonable...