I have long been in love with these pendants from Richard Wise. Simple, elegant and gorgeous stones. But, on my non existent budget, it wasn't going to happen any time soon (specially that ruby ). So, I decided to create my own budget version.
Choosing a stone was easy - I had this gorgeous blue-green tourmaline just waiting for a project. I got it from a PSer and it was cut by Dan Stair. The colour is fantastic, nicely saturated and it glows - I call it "Go light green".
To keep costs down, I went with silver, instead of gold (although RG would have been great - maybe I will upgrade the setting eventually ). Since the pendant is rather bottom heavy (the threading holes could have been a smidge lower), it is on a slightly thicker chain, to help with tilting. The chain is a hand woven, fine silver chain with a silver clasp with a tiny blue zircon (courtesy of Dana).
I am quite happy with how this little project turned out. (but I still want that ruby)
Ok, I do not have a double chin! It must be the weird angle (trying to get some light on the stone with a huge black camera blocking the bulb on top of the mirror).
I love that style myself! I have some omega chains that I swap out pendants for and would love to get some slides made similar to this! Very classic style.
Well, I think the old saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery is true, so just a couple of points: This type of bezel setting is not expensive, particularly for stones with diameters in whole mm. I love the look. i.e. 6mm, 7mm, etc. The chain is pricey, they are very thin cables (ruby) in 18k only 0.6mm, they are quite strong but barely exist, I like them because they almost disappear but they are made in Europe and...The tourmaline chain is a simple snake style.
We add a specifically designed bit of hardware in the back to keep the stone from tilting which can be a problem particularly with small stones (5-6mm). I'm glad you like them, I'll make a few more. I like your handmade Roman style chain.
Thank you all for the compliments! I wore it out last night and got several more compliments, since the stone is very eye catching.
Lavatea- I made the pendant and chain myself. As Richard mentions, these aren't that hard to make, but you must be exact with measurements and finish. You can get them made by a good jeweller.
Richard - thank you! I must add I love how you often show the back of pieces on your website. The amazing hardware are, to me, one of the marks of top quality craftsmanship.
Karee - I took my time setting it, didn't I? I love that stone and I had so many ideas for setting it.
I have not frequented Colored Stones in years. I happened to be interested in looking at rubies, so I came here and put, "ruby" into the search engine. Since you had used a pendant by Richard Wise as inspiration for your pendant, my search brought up this thread. I, therefore, got to see your lovely pendant. Great job! It looks lovely on you.