The Designs Behind “Nothing But Rings”
Under a Tree Ring by Emanuela Duca
Learn the design inspirations behind the rings in this upcoming exhibit in Lambertville, NJ.
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Rings are conversation pieces. Some tell the story of a wedding engagement or a family heirloom, while others tell of a person’s passions, heritage, or sense of style. The pieces in the “Nothing But Rings” exhibit at the Diana Vincent Jewelry Gallery in Lambertville tell a story of design excellence. The exhibition showcases rings created by visionary jewelry designers from Canada to California. Their stunning creations will be on display and available for purchase at the Diana Vincent Contemporary Fine Jewelry Gallery located at 12 North Union Street in Lambertville, New Jersey until December 9. There will be an opening reception on November 4 and 5 at 5pm where food, local wine, and craft beer will be available. The Diana Vincent Contemporary Fine Jewelry Gallery is open Thursday-Sunday, 11am – 5pm. Here, some of the exhibiting designers share the inspiration behind their rings.
Claudio Pino
Claudio Pino Contemporary Jewelry
“Rêve cosmique/Cosmic Dream”
Description: 14k Gold, 925 Silver, calcedonia, chrome diopside, pearls.
“It’s a sculptural double ring completely handmade that required me to make over 100 soldering points. It can be worn on both sides (four rings in one). On one side, you will find a beautiful calm blue Calcedonia and on the other side, a vivid green Chrome Diopside. With an architectural approach, it was important to me that each angle offered a different world to explore. The design was inspired by insect metamorphosis, yet with a futuristic aesthetic. I explored the notion of mutation, working the lines and forms of the design. Depending on how the light is directed and the type of lighting, the ring takes on a whole new look: the textures, the colors of metal with the color projection of the stones, the shapes and shadows too. There is a visual effect of transformation of the entire piece.”
Alishan Halebian
Alishan Halebian Jewelry Studio + Gallery
“R326SS-PD”
Description: This palladium and oxidized sterling silver ring by Alishan features colorless diamonds and one rose cut black diamond in the center.
“The ring is made in palladium and oxidized sterling silver, with colorless diamonds and one black diamond in the center. We love the color combination of palladium, which is a little grayish, and it suits the dark color of oxidized sterling silver. It has a very cool look with the sparkle of colorless diamonds. It’s like shining stars in the dark night glowing around the black diamond.”
Emanuela Duca
Emanuela Duca Contemporary Jewelry
“ED49R”
Roccia ring with blackened sterling silver, 18k yellow gold, diamond.
“This ring is part of a collection called ‘Roccia,’ which is an Italian word for rock. The Roccia ring, in blackened sterling silver and 18k yellow gold with a white diamond, explores the meaning of being strong just like a rock in its natural state.”
Manya & Roumen
“Courting Wren”
Description: 18k yellow gold, sterling silver, carved pink opals, onyxes
“The wren, which I carved out of wax, was cast in 18k yellow gold and hand-engraved. The cherry blossoms are hand-carved out of pink opals, and I carved the branch out of wax and cast it in sterling silver. The ring slides onto one finger, but balances atop the entire length of the wearer’s hand, so that the wearer hopefully feels like the wren has alighted in her hand. The inspiration behind the design comes from the romance of the male wren singing to his female love at spring-time, represented by the cherry blossoms (inspired by my two years living and working in Japan).”
David Lent
“Emotions Ring”
18k yellow gold with diamonds
“The inspiration for the Emotions Ring comes from the difficulty of dealing with one’s own ideas, feelings, and emotions. The imagery of the “common eye” or “uncommon eye” being shared by different faces and expressions has been seen all over the world in ancient sculpture and art from cultures as far apart as the Balinese and the Mayans. The ring is an expression of this common experience that all humans share.”