mhippisley@ecuad.ca

Megan Hippisley

Industrial Designer

Silver Rings

Spring 2025

Sterling Silver Rings

Sterling Silver, Turquoise, Tiger’s Eye, Turquoise Howlite, Sodalite, Abalone, Conch Shell

This collection of handmade silver rings was created through traditional silversmithing techniques I learned in class, with a focus on craftsmanship, surface detail, and personal style. Working with sterling silver, I explored various methods of forming, texturing, and finishing to create one-of-a-kind pieces that range from subtle and minimal to bold and expressive. The process allowed me to deepen my understanding of metalwork while experimenting with custom design elements like patterned surfaces, natural stones, and organic forms. Each ring was shaped and refined by hand, with close attention to scale, comfort, and character.

Process for Basic Rings

The simpler rings began with flat strips of sterling silver, cut to size based on ring measurements. After measuring and filing the ends, I shaped each strip around a mandrel and soldered the seam with a torch. Once cooled and cleaned, I refined the rings using files, sanding sticks, and polishing wheels to smooth the surface and perfect the shape. Some rings were left clean and minimal, while others had hammered or etched textures to create subtle variation. These pieces allowed me to focus on the core skills of ring making.

Process for Bezel-Set Rings

For the rings featuring stones or shells, I created bezels by forming fine silver strips around each chosen piece, then soldering them onto the ring base. The bezels were custom-fit to each stone, carefully shaped to hug the edges and hold them securely once set. After assembling the components, I refined the overall form and ensured the stone settings were clean and even. Once polished, I set the stones using a bezel rocker, pressing the silver gently over the edges to lock them in place. These rings allowed me to explore more advanced techniques and express more of the wearer's personality through material, scale, and composition.

This ring series brought together precision and creativity, grounding each piece in the traditional techniques I practiced in class while allowing room for intuitive design choices. I enjoyed the slow, hands-on rhythm of silversmithing and the way each piece emerged from a flat material into something sculptural and wearable. Through this project, I gained confidence working with metal and developed a deep appreciation for the tactile, intentional nature of jewelry-making.

mhippisley@ecuad.ca