The Claw

I like to continually challenge myself to develop my skills as a jeweller. This weekend, inspired by a particularly lovely concave cut green amethyst and a length of half round wire, I decided to make my first ever claw setting.


The shank of the ring has been made using the half round wire, twisted and ends soldered to the previous loop. I made a shelf for the stone using 2mm square wire which I have tapered and filed grooves for the claws to rest in. The setting has then been soldered to the shank and the stone inserted. The result is my Spearmint Swirl Ring, now listed in my etsy shop.

I am quite pleased with the result. As with any first attempt at a new technique there are things that I could have done better, or more efficiently. Mistakes have been made, a large cut across the index finger of my left hand can attest to that, not to mention the blisters on my fingers from the polishing wheel.

Overall I am very happy with my new skill, which is great as I have a cache of pretty stones just waiting to be made into something wearable.