Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2007 10:03 pm Posts: 341 Location: San Diego
Barbra Voltaire wrote:
I personally don't recommend rings that are made out of these trendy metals because they are simply trendy metals with NO intrinsic value. I don't find them appropriate for wedding rings. Perhaps bicycle frames, but not wedding rings.
Hmm... well personally I do not really think of the value of a ring in any more context than what it is worth to me or the person whom it is meant for. While I certainly like traditional metals used to make wedding rings, I also appreciate the unique features of other materials. Most of my customers are looking for traditional options, but some come in looking for something different that may suit their tastes, personality and lifestyle better. For these people I would not hesitate to recommend titanium or tungsten carbide along with the information of the pros and cons of these metals (the same as I would for any material).
For example, my own wedding ring is made of Damascus steel. This is certainly not a traditional choice and its "intrinsic value" is definitely less than say gold or platinum, but for me the organic pattern of the metal, the durability of the material and the symbolism of the joining of the two separate alloys gives it much more value to me than a standard band. I have had both gold and platinum rings in the past and unfortunately I am simply to hard on my hands for them to hold up to daily wear and too lazy to take them off when engaging in rougher activities. They are now worn more occasionally when I am in situations that require more formal attire.
Again, all IMHO...
_________________ Paul Mattlin Senior Manager, Online Education Division
* My posts are my own and do not reflect the opinions or policies of my employer
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:39 pm Posts: 3528 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
There are a number of designers that have pieces in some local mid-high jewelery stores. I've seen some very attractive stuff done, and there are a number of different "patterns" that can be made as well as the more abstract random effects.
Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2005 2:39 pm Posts: 3528 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Joe Escobar Diamonds in Campbell, CA has some mokume gane in their store, but their website is lacking. Ida's Gems in Cupertino, CA used to have some stuff as well, but they appear to be no longer in business. I'll see if I can find anyone with some stuff online.
Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2007 10:03 pm Posts: 341 Location: San Diego
Being a very big fan of Mokume designs I try and keep track of the designers who work in this wonderful art. Here are just a few of the more well known designers:
In regards to the GIA bench courses, they do not teach mokume in the standard course. However, one of the bench instructors (at least when I took the course a few years ago) did create mokume designs in his personal business and occasionally would instruct some of the students who were interested.
_________________ Paul Mattlin Senior Manager, Online Education Division
* My posts are my own and do not reflect the opinions or policies of my employer
dam it seems that someone stole my idea
love folded steel. it´s realy made from tahamagane?
prety but i didn´t trade any jewl in this world for this , the real deal
just amazing piece of art
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