How it’s Made - Twist Rings…

I wanted to write a bit about how I actually make my jewellery, and in particular how I make my “Twist” rings.

The traditional twist design is one that’s really popular as an engagement ring shape, and one that many (including me) jewellers/goldsmiths/silversmiths/metal bashers have put their own stamp on and made part of their collections. 

So there’s two main ways that this type of ring can be manufactured. The first is to make what’s called a “master” out of either wax or metal, and then use this to cast lots more that are exactly the same. 

The second, and the way that I always work, is to hand forge each ring as it’s ordered. This is a slower, and possibly more expensive way of working, but it does mean that each ring is truely “hand made” and completely unique. Working in this way allows me to easily make adjustments, alterations and refinements to each ring that I make, so if a client asks for a different sized stone, or wants to add an extra one each side I can do this for them. 

I really enjoy working in this way. You kind of develop a relationship with that little strip of metal as it’s heated up and hammered into shape. The same goes for making the stone setting. Knowing that I’ve given my time to each and every piece just feels right. Especially if it’s one that’s going to be worn every day forever!