"Can You Design Jewelry Long Distance?" Ralph’s Ring Story

I get asked often, “Calla can you design jewelry long distance for me?”  Just ask Ralph and he’d say “yes!”

Ten Years Ago I Didn’t Know How to E-Mail

That was ten years ago. What with a jewelry website, a Facebook Jewelry Page and this blog, that question comes up quite a lot these days. Getting a unique design done or having the idea in your head made up is my idea of fun. Why let a pesky detail like geography get in the way?

Here’s Long-Distance-Ralph’s Ring Story

Working with Ralph was great fun. From our back and forth emails of the initial sketches at the beginning of the project to the completed gold and black enamel ring at the end, we enjoyed the whole process.

It Helps That Ralph Was Decisive

From the outset, Ralph knew that he wanted a ring with his special date done in a  classic and unique style. He also knew he wanted the wording on the ring in the center area to be personal and special.

Figuring Out the Details

I emailed Ralph, that for the ring to look its best on the finger it was to go on, 15mm would be about the right width. He emailed back that he agreed and after making a few minor modifications, we tackled the task of what style of lettering he’d like.

Ralph researched fonts online and chose a style of lettering by Thomas Jefferson. Ralph’s art and Historian background played a part in the unique details on his ring.

Next Came the Wax Model

When the wax was carved, I got to agonize over little details, like the height of the domed edges and the best ratio for the outer edges and inner flat area. He got to see it via e-mail and gave his go ahead for casting.

The Finishing Details

Next, we discussed options for how best to show off the numbers and names. We chose to fill in the recessed numbers and letters with black enamel. The true black with its shiny surface gives a dramatic look in yellow gold.

Ralph’s Ring, Cast and Polished, Before Enameling

Black enamel is also, thicker and more durable than black rhodium and would hold up better for everyday wear. I couldn’t wait to get the ring back from my enameller!

The Final, Really Final Details

I was overjoyed when I finally saw the finished product and couldn’t wait to give it to Ralph.

Lush Details Pop With Enamel. Just What Ralph Wanted

The last step was adding a satin finish on the gold in the center area. It’s not quite a matte finish, yet it’s less shiny than high polish. That satin finish, being more of a subtle look than the high polish on the rounded edges, highlights the enamel. Each little detail we spent time on, added to the greatness of Ralph’s ring.

Mailing can be Anxiety Producing, but…

The most nerve-wracking part, was having to ship our creation through the mail. Of course it arrived just fine, they always do. Thank you shippers!

If you’d like another distance story read about Edbbie’s wildly creative wedding band. Originally drawn when he was ten!

What Did Ralph Think?

Ralph loved it. Here’s his awesome email to me:

“Calla you have a responsive eye. I love how my initial scribblings translated into my amazing ring. One of the things I liked in working with you long distance, was your patience. Especially when we went back and forth on how to make the lettering translate onto the ring. You were cool with the time it took to email back and forth exploring ideas. Then I’d get busy and not email for two weeks and you were cool with that too. I am so happy with my ring.”

Do You Work Long Distance Often?

My long-distance jewelry work has increased greatly since I (finally) updated my website. Read this post about a long-distance hinged wedding band for Kiano.

Working long-distance with Brad from diamond to engagement ring was great as I met his fiancee years ago when she was a teenager. Read about Brad’s long distance engagement ring.

You might enjoy this story about my long-distance gold nugget clients who wanted to use gold flecks and nuggets mined by an uncle in their ring.

What’s the Takeaway Message Here?

Don’t fear long-distance jewelry design. If you choose a jewelry designer whose work you like, who is responsive to your emails and calls, distance won’t matter. Go for it!

Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla