yes folks its finished !!!!!

I delivered the ring containing the original stone from the one I was asked to re-size almost a year ago now, it definately has more sparkle than the CZ’z I bought but most importantly it fits perfectly and my friend was very happy with it.

So while I was practising I made 2 rings for myself, one using the same solitaire style with a basket setting in which I set a London Blue Topaz stone and the other a crown setting with a  Garnet because at this point I thought it would be good to try another kind of setting and maybe see which was easier.

Well, they both had their difficult and frustrating moments and I almost resorted to buying a cast ring with the prongs already notched so I could just drop the stone in, but I didn’t. I’m stubborn like that.  I decided to oxidise the ring holding the garnet and I was quite pleased with the contrast the oxidation gave it.

All I can say after this epic learning journey is that I take my hat off to any jeweller who sets stones like this, and also that I will probably never do it again. Its definately best left to the professionals.