Author: Corinne | Page 15 | A Silver Circle

October 20, 2016

Tools of the Trade

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The handmade jewellery industry is so diverse because of all the different effects that can be achieved with metals, jewels and wood. A Silver Circle design works with a range of tools in order to create delicate and fine jewellery, that subtly speaks of elegance. Some of the key tools used in the A Silver Circle studio are the saw frame, ring mandrel, rawhide mallet and file.

Jeweller’s Saw Frame

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The saw frame is the first tool you learn how to use, because it is so versatile and can achieve a range of effects. The act of cutting with the saw is called ‘saw piercing’ and it is used to make intricate patterns or to cut lengths of wire and sheet. At A Silver Circle all our circle shapes are handcut, which is unusual, but it gives us greater control and precision over the circle form. For example, to create each of the Textured Studs, we have to cut the circle shapes out of sheet metal with the saw frame.

Ring Mandrel & Rawhide Mallet

Rawhide mallet

The ring mandrel is a steel tapered tool which is used to shape rings or bezels (framework that holds in a stone). The mandrel has various grooved marks which assist with sizing rings, but also which hold rings in place to be shaped by the rawhide mallet. The rawhide mallet is made out of a coil of leather, creating a firm mallet which is soft enough so that it doesn’t dramatically indent the metal but strong enough to move and manipulate it. We use it to form and flatten pieces, to create the perfect circle shape around the mandrel. The Hammered Ring Bands have been shaped around the mandrel with the rawhide before being textured with a steel hammer to get the indents and facets that make this piece unique.

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File

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Files are used by metalsmiths for a number of reasons. At A Silver Circle they are used to clean off excess solder, to smooth out the surface of pieces, to even out joins, to prepare metals for the polishing stage and at times to create texture. The finer the grade of file, the smoother the finish of the product. The file is what gives A Silver Circle products finished edges and finely polished surfaces, as showcased by our Hexagon Plain Ring.

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There are a number more tools used in the A Silver Circle Design studio, however these are some of the most frequently used tools for the effects desired by our brand’s collections. The extent of tools points to the scope of effects that can be achieved in the handmade jewellery industry. If you would like to have a go at some of these tools yourself, head over to the Workshops page to come into the studio and make your own piece of jewellery.

September 28, 2016

Textured Collection

The Textured Collection is a series of necklaces, earrings, rings and cufflinks made from reticulated sterling silver. What’s reticulated silver you ask? It’s an experimental process in which you heat a sheet of silver to melting point. The process is hypnotic to watch as the silver surface bubbles and pools in response to an open flame. This process of reticulation organically renders each piece unique from another. As a result of the my curiosity for texture and penchant for experimentation, the textured collection was born.

The textured collection was named after its inspiration and focal point: texture. My fascination with texture intrinsically led to the simple shape and scale in the collections design. This marriage of tactility and simplicity in design has established a timeless and balanced aesthetic which is universal in style.

Reticulation is a making process which lends itself to a degree of playfulness and improvisation. I enjoy my complete control in determining how much heat to apply to the surface and the intrinsic effect that this has. By using an open flame, I bring the sterling silver to melting point. I do this with the silver is placed against a charcoal block as it reflects the heat from the fire which causes the metal to reach melting point at a faster rate. Additionally, the charcoal is non-stick which helps to produce a double-sided effect on the silver. The silver is then immersed into a neutralising bath which settles the surface and sets in the design.

The unique nature of the textured collection empowers the wearer with a sense of individuality. Whether it be from adorning their ears with the drop textured earrings, or adding an element of texture to the crisp cuff of their shirt – the textured collection will add an element of sophistication and interest to any wearer. The androgynous and simple design of the collection lends itself to layering with other rings, necklaces and styles. The textured collection can therefore work as a statement piece, or as a layered element. As a result, the collection boasts a versatile nature leaving the wearer with nothing but opportunities in terms of styling.

The textured collection’s experimental birth has ironically led to the production of accessible design. Through this accessibility, the collection has grown from feminine necklaces to include unisex cufflinks. The diversification of the design stems from its focus on texture opposed to a desired aesthetic. As a result, each piece in the collection acts as a unique homage to the elegant balance between texture and form.

September 8, 2016

Picking the Right Ring for You

Choosing the right ring size is the first step to ensuring your ring collection complements your hands and look. We have a series of simple steps you can follow to pick the right ring to suit your size and style.

Our Ring Size Chart is available to download from our website and provides an appendix of alphabetically ordered ring sizes. The first step is to find a ring at home that fits your finger well. The band should fit snuggly below your knuckle, but easily slide off when pulled. Note that your left hand may not be the same size as your right hand.

The next step is to print off the ‘A Silver Circle Ring Size Chart’. Use the chart as a guide by placing the ring over each circle in an effort to match the inside edge of the ring with one of the circle sizes on the paper. Once you find the corresponding fit, use the accompanying letter measurement to order your ring.

A Silver Circle has a range of ring collections to suit your style. Layering rings is a fun and stylish way to showcase your rings and accentuate statement pieces. Our Plain Rings, Flight Rings, Gold Plain Rings, Hexagon Plain Rings, Gold Hammered Rings, Square Rings, Hammered Rings, Half Round Rings, are all perfect simple rings for layering.

It’s all about striking the perfect balance between textured and plainer rings. Experiment with different pieces to create the right look for you. You can go for a subtler style with just simple rings, or mix it up and create interest with some detailed rings like the Twisted Rings, Gold Twisted Rings, Textured Rings, Hexagon Twisted Rings or Black Twist Rings.

If you want to make your look more eye-catching, we recommend adding a statement ring to one finger. Giving the ring its own finger amongst other layered rings on the hand will elegantly accentuate its design. However, you can play with the look by pairing the statement rings with simpler rings as well. Striking statement rings are the Bar Ring, the Silver Triangle, Oval, Square or Hexagon Ring, the Roller Ring, the Computer Chip Ring, the Gold Circle Ring or the classic A Silver Circle Ring.

If you are looking for a more masculine ring check out our Hammered Ring. This launched on our website for Father’s Day and has been very popular. With its thicker band and detailed grooves across its surface, it’s is a stylish addition to any man’s jewellery collection.

Choosing the right ring size and designs will boost your jewellery collection astonishingly. With these simple tips you will be able to order rings with ease and wear them in designs that emphasise their detail and accentuate your jewellery collection.
Choosing the right ring size and design to complement your hands is an easy way to boost your jewellery collection. By following our simple tips you will be able to order rings online with confidence and enhance your jewellery style.

August 25, 2016

Father’s Day is Coming Up!

Celebrate Father’s Day by giving Dad a heartfelt gift to complement his style. Our range of cufflinks and rings come in an array of forms which vary from refined to eclectic including the Computer Chip, Wood Carved, Resin and Textured collections.

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The Computer Chip and Wood Carved collections are especially close to our hearts this month as their up-cycled materiality has earned them a place in the forthcoming Artisan Markets. The Artisan Markets are held at the end of each season at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability in Waverton, so come say hello on Sunday the 29th August 9am – 3pm.

Any Dad interested in computers, re-used materials or who has an appreciation for detail will love the Computer Chip cufflink collection. The collection was created from re-purposed circuit boards which are not only aesthetically interesting but conceptually engaging. The cufflinks’ conceptual integrity is established through their subtle homage to the value of waste in the advent of sustainable design.

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Similarly, the Wood Carved collection was created from up-cycled off-cuts from wood-workers. What was deemed too small for furniture use was the perfect size for jewellery. The collection consists mostly of Jarrah wood which is native Australian with hints of Myrtle Beech. The collection has charm in its juxtaposition of the warm red wood with the sheen of the polished sterling silver.

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The striking nature of gem colours in the Resin Collection is beautifully balanced with their sterling silver structure. They are the perfect accessory when trying to enhance an outfit through their subtle pop of colour.

Green Resin Cufflinks

The Textured Collection is classic and refined in style and is an easy addition to dad’s wardrobe. The simple circle form enhances the unique pattern created through the process of reticulation. This process creates intricate tiny bumps and indents on the surface of the pieces, making each piece unique.

Textured Cufflink

Men’s rings have become increasingly popular over the past couple of years through their integration into fashionable men’s style. Boost Dad’s fashion by gifting him the Hammered Ring Band, the indents and grooves on its surface bring a sense of style to every look.

All the pieces can be ordered from the shop page so go check them out! We want to celebrate with you, so have created new and unique additions to the collection to celebrate Father’s Day and male jewellery alike.

July 28, 2016

Miniatures Collection

The Miniatures Collection began with a single chair. Working as a Resident Artist at the Sturt Contemporary Craft Centre in 2011, I would watch the woodwork students building their wooden chairs, and was fascinated by the simplistic style and structure of the furniture, motivating me to appropriate the design into my jewellery collection.

Drawing inspiration from the form of classic school chairs I remember as a child, it was a greater challenge that I expected to construct the Chair Pendant. After tireless refining of the model, I created the Chair Pendant available today.

Since I designed the original pendant I always wanted to create a whole collection of Miniatures, but it was not until January this year that I began to construct a full range of furniture pieces that kept with the style and essence of the chair. I started with an accompanying table, and thus the Table Pendant was born.

Whilst creating I focused on keeping detail and interest in the design, despite the large flat surfaces that are necessary for many of the pieces. I chose slim, geometric legs for the furniture to provide subtle intricacy to pieces.

Within the collection I created the Ladder Pendant and Window Pendant. They are eye-catching due to their recognisable shape, yet lie close to the body making them a great everyday feature piece and a great talking point. I always get comments when i wear my Ladder Pendant as it is my new favourite.

Today the Miniatures Collection includes a stool, bookshelf, bench and step ladder. Their unique style aligns with the adventurous yet classic image of the brand and provides a touch of elegance and charm to any jewellery collection.