Today's pearl ring project

[stracci2000]

I have a really nice yellow gold 18k ring set with a pearl that I never really liked.
The ring came from eBay about 10 years ago. I loved the setting, but the pearl, not so much.
So I decided to swap it out with a white South Sea pearl that needed a new life. Here are some photos I took along the way.


So much better! I've been wanting to do this for a long time. I suddenly became motivated after seeing @TheGarnetGirl 's recent creations!

 

[marymm]

Love what you did! The larger pearl looks great in its new home ... enjoy!

 

[stracci2000]

Love what you did! The larger pearl looks great in its new home ... enjoy!

I think it looks better.
The old pearl was pretty awful. It wasn't in the oyster very long, from the looks of things!

 

[marymm]

^ yeah, the larger SS pearl has gorgeous luster, but I also really like its proportions with the ring setting, totally works. I've never done any "off with the old pearl, on with the new pearl" stuff; I admire your hands-on talent for sure.

 

[LemonMoonLex]

Ahhh! Yay! Im so happy that the swap turned out so well and that my little neurotic thread gave you that little push to do so!

I love the completed ring! It was obviously meant to be (:

Also I'm finding myself more drawn to swapping gems in solid gold lately. Ive found it to be quite rewarding, especially when the ring was inexpensive and the new gem/pearl fits the setting so much better.
My emerald project which isnt a vintage setting but new, is my highest stakes setting project. I cant wait to finish it knowing that I had a small part in making the ring.
I couldnt imagine the feeling of complete fabrication such as you do with your silver rings!
You go girl! (I know I'm cheesey; its the gem stone setting hysteria)

 

[stracci2000]

@TheGarnetGirl , I bought that SS pearl (11mm) from Jewelry Television a long time ago. It has a few small pits, but I'm OK with that. It wasn't drilled.
I took it to my local gem shop and they drilled it for $5.00 (!) I was afraid to try it myself, even though I have a drill press.
At the time, I was into asymmetrical designs, so I made that sterling setting.
I had always envisioned a larger pearl in that yellow gold setting, and you inspired me! Thanks for the boost. Sometimes I need a kick in the pants to get back to the bench! It's a mess, but that's how I work..........

 

[mtsapphirelovingannie]

Love the larger pearl in the setting!

 

[PreRaphaelite]

That looks perfect! Great job!

 

[MidModMin]

I like the proportions of the new ring much better than the old. Good work!

 

[collier]

That looks AMAZING! Well done!

Your bench is enviable and you have the talent as well!

 

[lambskin]

Love the ring and the gold polish is done beautifully.

 

[Pearlescence]

My friend Stephen Goldsmith is a master polisher and has just had a book on polishing published
http://www.goldpolishing.co.uk/Stephen_M_Goldsmith_FIPG_MNGG.htm
or
http://www.goldpolishing.com/
super highly recommended
He is so good that he just has to think about a lump of raw scratchy metal and it polishes itself in awe

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

Love the change- it's a beautiful ring.

 

[rosemarygumdrops]

Amazing!