"Rings symbolise many things. They can serve as personal statements, adornments, representations of commitment, or sentimental reminders. More than purely decorative, the position of the ring on the hand and the way in which it is worn can denote love, promise, rebellion, compromise, or affiliation. In the hands of the world’s most creative jewelers they can become endlessly fascinating works of art."*
Nicolas Strada
One day, a good colleague of mine asked me what kind of jewellery pieces I liked to create the most?
Without hesitation, I answered: "brooches".
He smiled, a little defiantly, and retorted: "That's curious... I always thought you were obsessed with rings." Since than, that observation is stuck in my mind and every time I create a new ring, I always remember his remark and the irony in his face.
When I took the Jewellery Techniques Modular Course, at Cindor, and had to develop a jewellery piece of my choice, using the technique I was learning, I always ended up making a ring. I especially liked the fact that, in doing so, I could constantly test how the ring looked in my hand. Whether it was comfortable. If it worked or not as a jewellery piece. I didn't need a mirror to see if it was looking good when placed on the ear lobe or around the neck - like earrings or necklaces - or the result when attached to a sweater or jacket - like brooches. In a small object I was able to explore, not only the new technique I needed to learn, but also my creative artist freedom.
Today, as a professional, when I develop a collection, I almost always start by designing a ring. I make the prototype to I explore the idea in that object and, quite often, if it is still in a very experimental phase, I take it with me for a walk. Only after a few days "dating" the idea, which I see in my hands during the day, I develop the rest of the collection. Occasionally, I end up creating more necklaces or bracelets, but 90% of the time, the colletion's first piece was a ring.
I also confess that, nowadays, when I make an engagement or wedding rings, there is great enthusiasm for the project and its realisation. These pieces are so symbolic! They will send a message of love, of commitment. In addition, most of the times, the user will wear it throughout his whole life. Knowing that a small object has this responsibility and this symbolic charge is, from my point of view, an incredible jewellery phenomenon!
So yes: I like the fact that a ring is a jewellery piece that may always be visible..
When we shake hands: it's visible.
When we pick up something, at work, in a store, in a supermarket: it's visible.
When we wave or say goodbye: it's visible.
When we drive: it's visible.
When we eat: it's visible.
When we write: it's visible.
When we take a selfie: it's visible.
And it is not only visible to others, but also to us, to the ones who are wearing them. Perhaps this is what most enchants me about the rings.
In the end, I admit that I am fascinated by rings. Now, is it an obsession? I still do not know. I think I will need a few more years to respond to my colleague's little provocative statement.
*STRADA, Nicolas; New Rings: 500+ Designs from Around the World"
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