*Rantings from the Workbench by Ray Elsey, Tradeshop's CEO...
FUN THINGS!
What did you do Saturday???
Me, I work... I came down today wanting to get the Carney project set for Monday, the cool 4mm geometric design set for platinum casting, and to show Charley the cool and unique class style ring that I worked up for his son, who is majoring in broadcasting, and is a big theater acting fan... Yes, I measure my life by the wonderful projects that streak past, and here are three more for the record book... The day is not important, the projects are... So, today, enjoy the previews,... {Grin} ...and another hand engraved platinum ring shows to the light of day, now not a suprise any longer!!!!
It's Friday Finally, with the promise of the weekend upon us...
So, the evolution continues on the Dragon Original Ring Art, with a textured finish in the band and a bright dragon, with recessed lines and a very very light antique to simulate and suggest a shadow effect. Bold and strong this design is delightfully refined and a super fine ring will surely result. Simulated in 18Kt yellow gold, and ready to go :) Now, another request of great merit is the white gold center, yellow gold railed Celtic Hounds, my favorite zoomorphic design by far, the expressions are delightful and I also narrowed the faces more like Greyhounds as well, so give a hollar and this ring is reality!!!! 9mm of sheer delight, I love the look here!!! OK, adding to the Friday suprises, and... He, I have been working on this platinum engraved ring, smashing oval sapphire, elegantly designed, but I sort of... Well, I forgot who this belongs too, so will the lucky owner please raise their hand??? {Grin}... The next two images are waxes, a matching wedding band set for approval and a very cool trillion ring wax in the building... Have a great weekend, and if you remember who that sapphire ring is fer will ya let me know???
Thursday, May 16th 2002, a day for drawing over some designs, for pristine powerful results...
Hey, it is important to me to make sure that all designs I offer are refined and over time improved, which is the case here today... For example, the first drawing is that of the rich celtic knott pattern I like to call the "Celtic Radio Wave" design... Now, to make sure the pattern is crisp I redraw it, and also simulate the Rose gold and Yellow gold rails too... The second design is my favorite zoomorphic design, I like to call the "Crazed Hounds" for reference... Now, the design is not crazy, but the passion and expression in this design are simply outstanding... Had to shoe horn in another drawing, since Derek had taken great pains with his custom design, so did I... Here's the sort of evolution of an idea, decided you let ya peek over my shoulder on this one... {Grin}... "learn anything??" Stand by for more, but here's today's preview!!!
Wednesday, May 15th, 2002 and today's fun... I just shot, a super nice oval 2.41 carat and a 0.71 ct trillion, and a sweet pair of platinum celtics came booming over to be shot, then a super nice baggette ring in platinum, sleek and classic yet substantial, and a outstanding celtic trisket ring in platinum, and then a very fine platinum band with a bible phrase. For meaning and effectiveness I leave it to you to judge, but it's an honor to build family heirlooms one at a time with you, the real people... Have a great day, see ya later.. .
Celtic Hinged Bracelets to match yer wedding band??? I have been asked in the past to design a bracelet for the celtic design lover, and here is the first series of celtic links. A simulation of the finished bracelet to see? I shall design many links based on the same themes, knotts, swirls and other designs, and of course custom as requested. The strong hinges are designed into the piece and links, with the top plate fixed to the lower it will cut out the center of the lower stage, leaving a nice solid skirt framing the top plaque. Using box clasps will complete the bracelet, but I wanted to show you the stages, from black and white art to simulated metal links. Cool huh?!?
Now, we have a phrase from the bible, and a super way of translating that to a wedding band! Here we have custom art that will be used to stir together a fine fine wedding band, with the letters nicely and crisply lowered into the background, and in this simulation I have sought to show the non-antiqued background and the way the beveling works in the letters, the added interest and artifacts that the process imparts is both elegant and wonderfully interesting... The ring is imaged at 10 1/4 with a target of 7mm width, and by holding the phrase into the center a bit more I can round the outer edges of the ring too, for a nice wearing ring :) yer good to go...
Der celtic designs are indeed mighty fine, as you can plainly see
The strong knott design is a elegant and substantial platinum ring, with a wonderful feel and weight, the bright borders contrast with the very light satin finish center cable pattern, the shadow effect in the background very subtile and enhancing the depth effects. The swirl design is in 14Kt white gold, the very fine nature of the swirls and lines can be appreciated in this wonderful set of photos that I just too, Hey darn it, I know good when I see it, and you can see it there... Go look, I am going to haunt the freeway on my motorcycle inthe rain... zoom zoom...
Friday Suprise!!! Sunny day, Motorcycle, bye bye... {Grin}
A most creative project, a secret until today!!!! Yes indeed, the project for all intent looked like a ring being built for the gentleman, but indeed there was a second project behind the scenes, a matching wonderful wedding band custom designed by this most gifted artist, and in this project lays the dream realized, and a good roadmapped of how you to can design something sheerly wonderful and unique... I think it is true that to build something special for someone special takes meaning to a higher place, and so for those who fancy that their perfect ring is not floating like a dead fish in that mall jewelry case I invite you to work with me, to creative results the likes of which you will never see in a traditional retail store... It's all about your dream here, and making it come true just like I did for Chad and his love. Enjoy!!!!
Shipping right now, to make someone seriously happy! Take a carat princesscut and a clean functional design that is pure form, and you see the result... Sleek and modern this is a classic set, with the weding band set with very fine princesscuts, clean and fine... Substantial too, we do not like hollowed out garbage here, you can find buckets of that crap in the malls, but for cool and sleek, with substance and built to last the ages you have to tolerate the really obsecene spelling... Yup, I am not here to sparkel and pop, but for fine results like you see remember Tradeshop, The finest jewelry building, worst spelling web site on the planet... Enjoy... :)
OK, I want you to see how this ring can work, comfort-fitted and rounded slightly... When ya pointed at the ring that I did in the past for reference it stood to reason that was the look, but since you are somewhat concerned I figure "what the hell" I needed to make the mag blank master anyway to build the ring, so I just spent a bit more time with it, polishing and sort of trying to better simulate the finished ring, which I think is rather nice :) I did not wanna take the master to absolute perfect polish, for polishing removes both detail and metal, so this get's ya way way close enough to "see" the results planned... Call me and the next day we rock to casting.
Group shot again, many many very amazing fine things today...
For the first preview, a master of a ring we shall make, rich text and elements combine here for wonderful effect, next we have twin celtic repeating swirl designs, we are making these in platinum and do note the breathtaking crisp design {Grin}... Third we have a super gent's ring, catching up with the gald's ring we made some time ago... Here's also two super nice masters for making a keychain medallion, and a smaller ladies charm for gifts... Dig that both sides are imaged and interesting??? {Grin again}... Next a wax for the baby food guy {Grin a third time}... Super structure, and a wonderful wax... Floral is the theme for this patterned band, with a bordered elegance and an intelligent sizing area for later... Smart, beautiful, and classicly Tradeshop... Ahh the celtic triskets march between defined borders, with a wonderful look and feel... Now, here is a celtic with a twist, the dark dropped areas here are where diamonds go, and do note the prongs, which will be built up and purely functional as well as designed in the elements, for an integrated and most elegant interesting feel and look... Eyecatcher here for sure... And for the gentleman who honors his wife this rounded and comfort-fitted ring shall be the holy grail I hope... And another day draws close to ending, gotta go to visit the dic, physical therapy and stuff... ...but life goes on, and so do I... See ya tomorrow :)
Now, Fritz the Cat has a ring all done and ready to ship today, thanks to Ray... Yup, when ya called I found that and went to work, and now I show ya pictures of yer ring, all nice and snug and ready to enjoy big time... The triple stone cross-overs are sooooo cool, they have a lacy effect to the side, and starkly contrasts with the top down absolutely symetrical view, for a real treat on second glance... Enjoy the preview, ring is ready to go :)
Ahhh, the father honoring the son, with a custom ring, designed by life itself!!!! 
UPDATED!!! Mustang or GHS, yer choice for the sides :)Soon to attend Arizona State University on a national merit scholarship, majoring in Theater and Broadcasting, known by friends as "CJ" and I gotta say that it is both an honor and a joy to build and dream with you man, for I am very touched by this gesture... My father passed away last month, and so I am more than moved by this project, for you see I think that while it is easy to see a ring and see simply jewelry my mission, by design, is to bring those meaningful and important events to the ring, and to create there by something truly personal, and truly unique, just like "CJ"... I know that yer favorite role is "Bud Frump" from "How to succeed in business without really trying", so I thought it perfect with the comedy and tragidy masks, and so... Submitted for your approval, one of the most unique designs yet... I will make this with sides, very narrow and a bit thicker center, like a nice class ring...
A complex three layer celtic ring in the planning, here's the specs! Well, the original is a great idea, and the way I read this is that the "Vines and Leaves" is floating over a dropped background, so there is a way to do this dramatically... First I image the body of the ring, and the overlay section, and after I round the body I shall fit and craft the overlay plate to nicely raise the design above the surface of the body, increasing the distance from the floor of the background to the top of the overlay section... The bezel is installed as a last step, and the lower is sort of a fast simulation of how this looks finished... Inside the leaves I have drawn a line, which will nicely define the edge. I think that with the build up this will be amazing fine, dramatic and wonderful...
Another day has come and gone, the sun crawling across the sky...
...and in this day we have some cool projects that have moved forward, the amethist ring with a new band is shown, form fitted and cool, the next ring is burnished with 7 diamonds flush set, the next ring is a very cool wax indeed, a pair of celtics, one platinum and one gold, and another wax for a tanzanite that is outstanding, the gallery is formed in the wax, the stage set for massively cool... I am not into the prattle tonight campers, just can't find it today... Going home now, see ya tomorrow, as the sun starts another journey into the night...
OK, everybody stand together for a group shot, and say "CHEESE!!!"
Friday suprises are sort of a tradition, remember I have been doing this since the early ninties, and today we have some groovey weekend things. Linda Davis is building a world class platinum ring for her sapphire, here's the engraved shots, back from Jerome today, the cluster marquise ring is lovely, and when engraved it will be simply... Mindbending, here's the canvas upon which Jerome shall paint!!! The two celtic rings, one with the ruby, has a delightful "LOTUS" element, taken from a tattoo, and mirrored even at the ends of the design... A sizing area is where if one needed to have the ring sized one would not have to cut the design... Smart and planned... The pierced crossover celtic is sweet, just personally delivered that myself... Well, today has seen some cool things, a huge group of celtics and custom on the way... Love working fer you out there, have a gret weekend and drive safe...
On Dragon's wings does this project ride!!!! Fabricated the bails, which will be seamless and will blend right into the design when molded, and the fact is that this project has kept me up at might, and finally the perfect solution for the bail came to me... See how the faces are flush with the front surface, yet on the back I thinned the plate so it clears the chain big time well, and makes room for a nice chain of substance if desired, and really opens up all options... The Rubies are here, the last set of smaller pearshape diamonds will be here first of the week, and so this weekend just wanted to show a Friday suprise of legendary stature, for in the way of flights of fantasy these are the wind beneith my wings, and with them Oh how I soar!!! Enjoy, I sure am!!!
UDPDATED UPDATE!!! OK, now the backs are imaged three ways, one for engraving and two font styles imaged, a celtic and a script... You pick it and we are off to the process!!!
UPDATED!!! The KeyChain and Charm now have back-side patterns!!!!! What a great and wonderful thing, the meanful phrase rather than engraved on each on a flat back let's have some fun and image both sides so when I assemble the mags and mold out from the most comes complete and ready to rock two sided results!!! Hot stuff, on the plate, which I am sending out now... let me know ya love 'em!!!!
Round KeyChain elements and round smaller charms of the same theme??? The design was one that I did as a strip, but after thinking about it for a day or so I came up with a design that both captures the flavor of yer original art as well as optomizes the process as well... take a peek at the updated round versions of the doo-dahs, and the ring I imaged is the one I set on the master plate to make :) Rock on :) This is the sort of project I really enjoy, and try to think in terms of family heirloom quality results. I fancy that while I cannot automate or "scale up" what I do in volume it is not the volume that is the thing, it is the quality of each and every idea, every result and process... Nope, for me it is about the dream, the meaning, the realizing it in precious metals, and the world... Enjoy!!!
One of the rarest of gems, the Natural Alexanderite, a perfect oval shape... Oh yes, for those of you on a quest for a rare unusual "and" beautiful gem here it is before ya. The color change is dramatic, and the vivid wonderful color is very nicely uniform too, and I have seen some really ugly Alex sell for three times the price, so enjoy the beauty first, the really dramatic savings as well second... Rare and unusual as it gets, yet in the classic oval shape and a wonderfully almost calabrated size, a perfect oval shape... Delightfully bright, so call me now, or it's a picure on yer wall, a desktop on yer computer at work...
Let's light up Brian's life, shall we??? ...or rather Mrs, Brian that is, and here is where we do both... The matching wedding ring is form fitted and sweet as it gets, an nicely and wonderfully completely changes the look here, to a more full and wonderful look... Of course, we did not for Brian either, and shown is a great band ring that is going to complete the set, the trio feel and the theme that runs across all is that sleek and clean-ness of line, that common sense of a design that takes all lines and angles from the parts, to great effect... Gotta go, starting to sound like a strip mall jeweler, standing on the corner barking non-sense... ...but hit the picture and you'll see what I do, which I think infinately more interesting than selling gold filled zippos and canned commercial solutions... ...but as surely as flicking our BIC, I'm pretty sure I just turned up the heat in Brian's world {Grin}... Rock on man :)
Ian has a "HOT HOT HOT" Idea, framing the Trisket Knotts with bordersThere are some designs which I think just sheerly and delightlfully rich in symmetry and interest, and here we take a marching row of celtic complex triskets and form the design, framed by 1mm borders for a wonderful 7mm solution, with the center being 5mm for nice definition of the design... Love to write more but Rodney bought Chinese, and I gotta go {Grinning hungry now}...
Bet alot of you guys and gals out there thought "JEWELER" was where you bought gold plated zippos... ...but ya know, for sheerly delightful custom I would put this ring as prime example of a custom design, only very slightly tweeked and repeated three times to form one of the most elegant and tastefully unique designs yet... ...bright borders, one suggestive of the undulation of water, with the imaged "star/snow flakes" added to keep the background interesting, and not so flat. The coils are amazing, the overall results are as you see, just eye watering wonderful, with a depth and texture feeling that is priceless indeed, yet oddely affordable... Yes, one at a time rendered with as much care as possible, to bring that dream to life, with weight, depth and drama... So the moral is, for a super deal on a lighter hit the mall or fleamarket, but for world class custom, with a passion, email me :) "ENJOY!!!"
A Bible Phrase that makes fills the ring with deep meaning...Now, for me I wanted to take this wonderful font that you finally decided on and see what I could do in the way of transforming it into the length and width to produce the final product and result. The fact is that four choices pushed their way to the top of the pile, and I could put none of them away without yer seeing them all.. So, let me do the monolog and let ya see my thoughts, since this is heading for platinum... Ring design "A", this design is the strongest, letters dropped and since we hold the design into the center, leaving a slight edge, I can round the outside of the ring edge, as I comfort-fit the inside with a strong bevel... Design "A" would ace this out to the max in platinum for sure... Now to Design "B":... Design "B" is one where the letters are raised against the dropped and lowered background, with the border following the letters, like a surface tension pulling and pushing the outer balloon. This one will stand nicely, and at 10mm this will be killer definiton indeed... Design "C" is sweet too, almost sort of radiats out from a base, and in platinum it will be killer fine too... "D" is a "Starwars Credits" almost sort of arch of the font, and while this might not be the one it seemed a wonderful effect for that layout... Surely the choice is hard, techically they are all gonna work wonderfully well... You pick, I can't... {grin}
UPDATED, ORIGINAL ART USED :)Got the nicer resolution art and set the stage for the ring, and this is a wonderful and crosp version here so it was not really necessary to make any changes at all... take a look and see, the art is on the plate and ready to go :) Oh to visulize that perfect ring... "Genesis 2:24 (End)
Now, note that this is the initial draft, but I have set the stage here imaged with fine detail and line weight from the FAX I just now got, and imaged this as a 7mm width and at about a size 7... You mentioned white metal, so the rendering simulation will serve nicely for both/either... Now, note that we will hold the design inside a bit, as shown, and that allows the rounding of the edges, softening the ring... Will comfort-fit bevel inside, and take a peek to see this cool project come together...
Total Custom, Celtic theme and legandary classic results assured!!! One of the things in my life that give it meaning is taking a client's ideas and dreams, command of the process and decades of experience, and setting the stage for an amazing project like this... The Celtic cross is rich in detail, the script font drops, the trisket knotts combine to form a rich design. Shown framed with 1mm rails, the center being 5mm for a total overall width of 7mm target with rails... The sapphire is set aside and we are ready to rock and roll yer world man, so here is the preview, the destination and the mission... To help you visulize this I wanted to set the stage, and I think one of the best projects is just around the corner!!!!!
A marvelous diamond, planning with client's accent diamonds, a stunning new look...
The diamond is to scale, and the finger size is too, so what yer seeing is a single ring, with the larger diamonds tucked into a pattern that follows a "C-Bezel" which sort of makes yer diamnd the center of attention... Anyway, wanted to show ya that I was not asleep... Never asleep... ...sometime waiting for the machine to restart, but never idle...
YOUNG at heart??? For that Gent's matching theme ring, and other things, click here now :) For the celtic ring to match your magnificient ring I considered first the design of course, then the center... Decided to offer two ways to go, one a rather whimsical imaged diamond that will match your ring to a tee, in a way that will be fun and gather comments a plenty, and then I also designed a ring that has the same nice 7mm width, and will work perfectly in the size 9-10 range, with the design a reflection of the other side, mirrored without the center element... Also of note I noticed that you had asked about five simple pendants, and a larger "keychain" medallion with that unique design, so I have simulated just that... The pendants are just about 3/4 inch from top to bottom, and the larger is just over an inch... For these in silver I have a caster who will cast them very inexpensively, and I can finish them myself to hold down costs, and keep quality up... So, the overview of the project is set, now the happy dancing can start again :)
Custom Art yields uncommon treasures, as you can see right here in this Egyptian Motiff delights! Now, this shows the wisdom of the lined design, and the merits of the "natural Matte Finish" as well, a delightful and wonderful rendition of the art comes thru here, detail is wonderful, the comfort-fit bevel is clearly seen, and the satin light just off polished surface helps the lined design come true, with the same feel as in ancient treasures. See, for me each ring is a story for someone, a treasure no less than of ancient days, so one at a time I build those monuments, those timeless symbols, for you... The web is magic for surely you do watch dreams come true here each and every day, today being a Saturday to remember...
Original and Unique, you saw it here first!!! "The Celtic Cross-Over Style Engagement Ring!!!"Yup a natural beauty. The center section is cast in a warm yellow gold, and in that narrow area here we used a wonderful rope like knot, crossovers and nicely trimmed by the rails, which are indeed white and the entire sides to the finger, with the top bezel also in white so the diamond never touches yellow and picks up any body color... Crisp imaged sides are both strong and very defined, the border rails blend into the top marvelously and the effect is wonderfully classic... I can see this style as one of a new exciting series of ideas inspired by this one Tim, so just wanna say thanks!!!! You make me look pretty good, in spite of the spelling :)
Ballentine's Day, two marvelous crosses, of the rich celtic theme, previewed together for the first time today!!!! OK, look... One of the great and wonderful things about owning your own business is that in the end you can take those project you want, those that seem to call and are compelling... No project better defines why I do this than these marvelous crosses, a flight of both fantasy and artistic freedom, soaring high as one of the most unique projects in this site, if not on earth...
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Soon these will be cast in 18kt white gold, accented with twin pearshape diamonds and a single cabachon ruby in the center, a deep and vibrant touch of color... Oh yes, I came down here today, snuck into the work closet and went to work, for watching the birth of each and every cool project is my privilage, my honor and I have earned it with decades of hard work and drive... Oh yes my friends, when I say I can build your dream I hope you see just how very very true that statement really is today... Enjoy!!!
Most interesting Grasshopper!!! You have five diamonds, and loved the Ammons Project??? Oh my, how will we stir all those ideas together??? Well, let us take a walk down two wonderful ideas, each with a slightly different look but each stunning fine and technically right on... First the stones, you have a 4.5mm center round, and four 2.25mm smaller rounds... Objective??? Make for an interesting top, incorporating yer diamonds... Waving cape now, tipping hat, rabbit falling out, and "POOF!"... We have two basic flavors here, one is with a more sleek channelset look, and I shall build up the center stage one layer for the deeper center, and I also did a sort of cluster version that is based on a more prong look... This is great too, and makes the diamonds vanish into the design nicely... Stronger partial bezel look... I love 'em both damn it, how about you??? Pick one and call me in the morning :)
From the CelticRings collection, TRI-2379 "But vastly improved for platinum!!!! See, the thing is that I take extra-ordinary care in doing the platinum rings, the designs I work and refine the line weights and get them so they will be wonderful in platinum, for not all designs translate well into this metal. Platinum is a very hot metal to cast, and sets up fast so effectively the resolution is slightly effected. By compensating in the art we will have a wonderful fine design, great definition and a fine result... I take great pride that we build each ring by hand, one at a time, and each uniquely to that person... Enjoy the mockups in metal, from which I make the rings... From Ray's work bench to you, enjoy!!!!
Gotta got set something, really wanna do the explain here but not time... Stunning ring but man, where is the gal's ring??? This cries out for a matched set, yes??? {Grin} ...I get paid to say stuff like that Chad :) ...but one ring or two it is a real pleasure to have worked with you on this wonderful project, all the best to you and watch tht motorcycle, keep the rubber side down...
Another Group shot today, sort of like these since the pictures pretty much say it all :)
First we have a super nice wax with insde diamonds in the ring, channelset, which is shown as a wax now. Then we're gonna "LIGHT" up Brian's gal's world a bit with the wedding ring fitted wax, and then there are twin blaster rubies to consider to Stephen "P", either wonderful, the 0.53ct almost mystically vivid and bright... Go get 'em, click the smalls to see the bigs...
There will be someone tonight watching the "GLOWA" screen, the celtic image dancing... Now, for elegance there is no equal to the celtic swirl in my humble opinion, for this takes on a very textural appearance, and the border makes the design seem wonderfully tailored. With or without rails this is a wonderful design, full of drama and meaning, a timeless charm that is amazing. I make these one at a time, lovingly, by hand, and for a quality unique symbol of... ...hey, almost started sounding like a strip mall jeweler there, wheew!!! My work speaks for it's self I think, and tends not to miss-spell as do I {Grin again}...
Colored stone show, click to see...
Really gotta go, but ya had to see that, amazing fine, collection...
Well campers, as it gets to the extreme end of the day, sunny day, and where as I have a shiny motorcycle
... I rode home at lunch time to wash, here's a gang group picture of today's graduates... The cross modified so the back clears chain most elegantly, rings previewed again (just for fun) just before shipping... Platinum Knott designs "FLOR" those who love coolness, Gent's band with diamonds ray set into the sides, milled grooves and then satin finished, and of course the better half's rings we just finished up too {Grin}... There are "NUNNELEE" nicer than the celtic swirls for sure, textural and elegant, most wonderful day today... Now, you campers relax, have a beer and catch ya tomorrow :) Oh yeah, before you hit the small previews to see the big please remove all flammable items from around the monitor for your safety, and be seated... {Grin}... Some bewitching celtics today, really massively cool...
For that fine 4mm sapphire to complete the dream project here are three equal to the task. The three sapphires are wonderfully fine and all are very vivid and rich in both hue and color. The deeper 0.40 carat gains rich color and hue from that depth, while for example the #41050 is diamond cut and not that deep, the color coming from the deep rich fine material. #41400 is almost glowing with rich color, more the native cut but dramatic and outstanding!!!! You pick, I can't!!!
OK, there are rings that are planned, and we planned this ring so very well in stages... Now, what we did here was to take a very old style wedding ring, with some smaller diamonds, and first thing is that we planned the engagement ring as to have straight sides... Now, that was no easy trick! Marquise, trillions, all stones which seem to want to push out the center, but we wanted to have flat sided rings against a flat side, so away we went... First designing the center ring, then today setting the two side bands, and yes alas we will ship Tuesday now, using today for work... I am lousy at fast these days, but for fine results I like to think that I walk there, as I need to, to find the results I want, and you want... Great look, super rings together... I will send down and get them tacked together, and then they are set to ship tomorrow...
Clean lines and a sleek nature make this ring so very delightful!!!! Just finished making shadow wedding bands, form following delightfully fine additions and now I wanted also to finish the center ring so that I could make it a very nice set... Enjoy!!!!!
Thoughtfully I try to describe what I see, when I take the shots at the camera... ...and here the pictures just sort of pull up close and personal and tell the story better than I can, with the way the sleek lines playfully form compound curves and light falls down the sculptural lines, showing the most subtile touches and curves... Double prong style top makes the custom touch that brings the ring together, with a strong and sleek ring built for the ages, to be enjoyed second by second... How about that???
UPDATED, set with 4 diamonds per ring, Saturday suprise!A repeat offender, had to show the update of this marvelous ring, the diamonds are set into the body of the rings now, and they are ready to delight...
Celtic Mystical Cross, Framed with a Dragon and Pheonix, and gems!!! This is a most delightful project, one that I got to take creativity and magic out to the extreme, and shown is a one and a half inch tall cross, rich in celtic elements and design, with personal touches on the fully designed back, integrated pendant bail shown, for a full bore custom one of a kind classic and timess look that is wonderful... Note that I pulled the body lines across the front and back side, like the reptillian segmentations on the Dragon's lower side... Kicking fine, mind bending, and love to show ya my Friday suprise!!!!!! I'll probably wanna make a couple tweeks, but man ya gotta love this!!!!
Platinum is an exciting choice for your magnificient sapphire, with delicate hand engraved touches now!!! I kept looking at the original ring, the sort of filligree and while it was just not gonna do it... I decided that what this ring needed was to take that magnificient body shape and those lines and accent them with millgrain, and take the prongs with millgrained framing lines, and the center texturally engraved... Yeah yeah, did alot more than I said I would, but ya know, it is about a most wonderous and tasteful result for me, and I could see where you wanted to go, so welcome to the preview, and look forward to a most classic and elegant ring!!!
One fine wax with Marquises and a great look...Yup, this is the place where the ring starts to say "howdy" and for a nice layout here we have a graduated to the eye look, prongs that have a nice flow and open-ness to the gallery, which is uncluttered and clean... Nice lines, and a great look is assured, so just give that Duane a call and soon you'll be wearing that ring, and it won't be green any more !!!! {Grin}
Fine fine look in the mideval patterned designs, this one is supremely fine...For a fine look and a great design this one stands with the finest that I ever made, and I (Ray) make all the designs, drew all the patterns, cut them out and bend them around and make the rings you see... I have them cast outside, for I hate burning those little tiny holes in my clothes, but one at a time these march out to people who fancy they do not want cookie cutter celtics, or thin cheap similar... Note the strong comfort-fit bevel that I place there??? See the detail of the border, and how the center is a lightly just off polish satin for contrast??? Note the shadow effect of the effect of thinned antique solution, pulling pigment up next to virtical elements for a shadow effect??? Not a great ring, a timeless family heirloom here... Enjoy...
For Platinum Celtic Knott Bands I image carefully each molecule for dramatic results... Hey, I figure that regardless of platinum or gold or silver that each ring will be as smashing fine as possible, each hand made one at a time to order, your way... Here's a strong knott design I re-drew for platinum, for bold relief and outstanding results... I laugh when I see the "Celtic Rings Cheap" sites, for indeed they are in many many ways, but I try to make each design, each family heirloom for best results, affordably of course, but never forgetting that elegance is the mission...
Celtic Swirls in gold, a sweet textural design which is timeless and classic... My first celtic design was a swirl pattern, and I think that the eye finds the swirls rich in almost organic style lines, radiating and inner-connected for a most wonderful design and result. Carefully planned with slightly raised rails which both add a tailored look as well as protecting the design thru the years... Enjoy the preview, the rings will send ya into orbit I am sure :) Note that I planned a small sizing area so that if that is needed the design will not be effected??? Engineered elegance, by design...
What?!? ya wanna see something platinum, sleek and most modern while quite contemporary??? Light plays down the sides of this ring like liquid, turning the supple corners of the knife-edge shank and blending into the european hips that grace the bottom half of this sleek sculptural ring... The ring is delightfully built to last too, which means not hollowed out to save a few bucks when the metal needs to be right there for long life... Remember it is a stretch to call something a family heirloom if it is built to last as long as it takes an out of state check to clear... {Grin}... Much junk out there, no reason to build more here... Enjoy the diference, remember tradeshop...
Now, start with a tattoo and move to the table to make a super set of rings??? Seems like only yesterday that this was just a drawing, but as you can see we have set the course now for a killer set of rings, and the gent;s has been narrowed already so that when the rails are installed we will have a super fine two tone look here... The gal's ring will have a gem set in a bezel when it is done, and the gent;s will have framing rails... Exciting to make personalized things for real people after working with the resellers and stores for thirty years, I work with more creative ideas in a week than came from 40 active store accounts for twenty years, which says something about the braindead saleclerk's filtering risks out I suppose... Life is risk, I love custom, fast motorcycles and warm sunny days... Some think "Jeweler" means clerk, I never did... Imagine that... Ray Elsey
Hand Engraving? Yup, I do that too, and the shot, and the upload, and see how nice it is??? {Grin}... Capturing the flavor of the Roman Laureal Leave design, and moving down the shank to complete the delicate and ornate look that you want, with the millgrain greatly detailed and lines such that the closer you look the better it looks... Left a small "jewel" for sizing so if that is needed the local talent does not have to drag a saw blade thru the design, ya know??? Planning for the real world??? {Grin}... Ready to rock... Enjoy the preview, yer gonna dig the heck out of the ring :)
You might say that today is "Ballentine's Day"...!!! Bold and exciting dragons as the theme, rich with celtic treatement and bordered with a delicate rope like element... The inner-twined nature of this design and the natural framing of the stone, scaled to size with the design, combine for a great and unusual look... Inside engraving takes the personal out to the extreme, and the tasteful nature of the design will be a constant comment catcher for sure... Yer not gonna see rings like this in the Gift Shop on the princess liner or in the malls, built one at a time, to order and to exacting detail... For those who fancy something special, without the suits, the salesclerks and mindless chatter... I do the designs, I upload the pictures I take, and you can count on me for that very important symbol of devotion... ...spelling? ...now, that is a different story...
Now for something entirely different!!!!! {Grinning widely}...Just finished setting this ring, the sides are set with fine fullcut diamonds for that "Easter Egg" sort of suprise, five per side and with this nice plump ring that works out so very nicely indeed, each diamond hand fitted and set by Ray this very morning... Really nice ample thickness makes this platinum ring sheerly sweet, and the diamonds make it unique!!!! Enjoy the preview, the ring will delight beyond imagination...
Family Crest Inspired, accented by rich celtic knottworks, a regal set of rings! For the most special look of a most regal feel and flavor this ring is tops, with Griffian elements within the knotts, the shield shape involding days of ancient kingdoms, for a fantasy one of a kind set... One in yellow gold, the other in a rich dramatic rose gold, for matched, yet individual as well... Slighty raised and rounded rails and a most delicate antique treatement, that I put on personally so that the pigment does not "cover" the matte background, but is thinned so it tends to pool around the edges of the raised elements, creating a shodow effect... ...given away my best secerets here, but love to explain the whys and hows as well as just show the results... Enjoy!!!!
A most wonderous and amazing three carat Ruby, with a fantasy home!!! From the bench to you, the most amazing ring in the world, with the Dragon and Pheonix elements framing the center section, four smaller fullcut fine diamonds grace each side of the bezel area, with the upper stage flower center dotted with a diamond as well... The relief and the detail here are amazing, and do remember that this is blown up to the size of a dinner plate for this preview... A testimony to good taste, creativity and judgement, and just like Cecillia, truly one of a kind :) You guys are the best, and I am so pleased that today is "the" day, so without delay might I arrange shipping today, for a most amazing weekend for you {Grin}... Thought you would like that, and the pictures had to be just right too, so it took a bit while my piece of crap mac crashed for the twelth time today... Stupidest thing I ever did was to devote myself to the mac twenty years ago... ...besides spelling that is...
Personalized as few rings are, and cooler than any ring I know...Starting with a blazing vivid three carat ruby, with a vibrance and deep rich color, and then take elements from life, the dragons from the carved doors of a temple, the pheonix from currency from far away lands, the Koa and other elements combine to form what stands as one of the most creative projects I have ever done... Small diamonds accent the eyes of the fish, dragon and pheonix, with Half pearls set and tucked in between the crown and fish mouths... The flower on the upper patterned area is now centered with a diamond as well, and the last pearls will be set to complete this wonder-ring soon... Step by step, putting up with me as I was recovering from being run over by a truck, and thru other things this project brought be joy, knowing it would be exceptional, and now it is time to share :) ...been rather private on this one, but it is time to dance, to sing and celebrate, as we turn the last corner... Exciting times, and outstanding fine result of a process long and hard, which makes the journey worth the taking :) Enjoy, and soon I'll be ready to light up yer world :)
OK, here's the deal...
Click to see the bigs, I got setting to do for Cecillia, a most wonderful gal and I stand ready to finish her ring but have had to bounce around all day from this to that, pictures, web, mail... Promised that I would finish setting the l;ast stones tonight, and so shall it be, so do not expect to call me and have me at the desk, email me instead please... Enjoy the previews..... ...after thinking about it Cecillia, yer comin' home with me tonight... I do a bit of work at home, have a sweet bench and set up so tonight, tonight we have a date... Hope Lloyd will not mind, and tomorrow??? Why that is the day we have worked for, waited for and more... Sleep tight :) First ever coming home too...
David likes my TRI-2379 design at CelticRings.com, but for Platinum a redraw is in order... Narrower width but a strong 8mm will give the definition and the drama that make the zoomorphics fantastic indeed, with an elegance and timelessness that is in few designs... This is the hounds design, a symbol of fidelity and faithfullness... Celtic art is rich with symbolizim and while this is a stock pattern I drew over each line, over and under line, for a platinum fantastic version, which is hugely improved over the original... You like??? Call me now :) Or better yet email me while I finish Cecillia's ring, or she and Lloyd are gonna kill me :)
Now, a design woven into their lives, and now fine platinum rings of that same flavor too!!! One of the most enjoyable things I do here is to work with creative people out there to make wonderful things, this design is a prime time good example of just that... Sporting a fine sapphire, and elegant drafted art by Geoffrey, a unique and personal expression is now a reality... Had to put in the tattoo as well that he sent me... "OUCH!" Man, I think I shall stick to the ring thing :) Enjoy the preview, get ready for mind bending cool rings!!!!
Preview Mockup Rings, from which the molds are made...
Rendered fer yer approval... :)
Cool Milled Comfort Band Alert!!!!!!! Fun thing is that with milling and various textures you can customize a comfort-fit band ring and enjoy all the easy wear and have a very tailored lpook for a low cost. To mill the pinstripe lines down the ring to divide it into three sections, the center textured and the lines darkend, for a very smart and crisp look... Fast too, for most cases with a geat example of where ya wanna go we can set a course in a couple days to be there with style and class... Enjoy having it yer way, for that is the mission here...
Now, for the "personalized" wedding ring design check this one out!!!!! Inspired by the Lotus Blossom tattoo and a very cool celtic knott design my job was to stir that idea up and make a great set of rings, the gals's with a centyer round ruby in a bezel, nice and low, and the lotus design centering his ring, framed with rails slightly raised and rounded... Here's a fast peek at that tattoo!!! Now, when I sat down with this idea I knew that based on the nice ample width that this will be grewat, but the simulation shows me that it will indeed be amazing fine... Enjoy the preview!!! PPPsssttt, that lotus element is so nice that I used it for the end loop in each ring too :) Just an easter egg from Ray :)
Celtic Cross, totally unique, with Pheonix and Dragon framing fantasy elements!!! Now, what I love are creative projects, and here we have one of the most eleborate and exciting designs Ray has done yet, based on elements of other things seen on this web site, stirred together for a totally and absolutely unique effect and result... The dragon and pheonix wind and frame the cross elements, and the effect is supreme, and I left the center of the cross open so that we can either install a very small gem there or as the center of the cross it will define that nicely as it is now... Call me, I have imaged this as two inche tall, and one and a half inches tall, for two sizes... In my opinion this should be about 1.5 inches to keep the massively detailed lines, but will make it as you wish... Enjoy the preview!!!! UPDATED WITH GEMSTONES!!!!!!
Yesterday was mockup and models, today is precious metal, dreams on the way and more!
Take a peek at the previews for today and if ya see something that looks like it might be yers then by all means click and smile big time... Linda, this is a sttep along the way, getting close!!! Cecillia, tomorrow I'm all yers, today I cleared everything pretty much off today so I can set down and think tomorrow... jerome takes the Linda job, that cross over is ready to rock, as is the sapphire princess platinum joybomb... OI gotta go home, my arm hurts and I fight each movement at the bench, but old habits die hard, enjoy the fruit of today's efforts... Miles of Smiles from one couple I know tonight!!! Good night all, tomorrow is another day...
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