Let's dive into the world of Bloodstone signet rings. At HerbertandWilks Jewellery, I believe that every piece of jewellery carries a unique story, and my journey with these enchanting gemstones is no exception. Join me as I embark on a exploration of this beautiful gemstone.
The Fascinating World of Bloodstones
Before I delve into the creative process, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty and significance of Bloodstone. Also known as Heliotrope, it's the birthstone of March, boasting a dark green hue adorned with captivating red and orange spots. These spots, often concentrations of iron oxide minerals, symbolize life, the earth's lush greenness, and the vibrant colours of leaves in nature.
But Bloodstones are more than just a pretty face; they have a rich history filled with symbolism. This captivating gemstone can ground you in the present moment, and enhance your depth, purpose, and courage. With associations with blood, vitality, and the Roman god Mars, it brings out the best in those who carry it.
The Babylonians recognized its magic, even calling it 'The Stone of Babylon,' using it for important artefacts like seals and amulets. Today, we find Bloodstone in various corners of the world, including the US, India, Italy, Brazil, South Africa, Germany, and Australia.
Caring for Your Bloodstone
How do you care for these precious gems? The good news is that Bloodstones are quite low maintenance. They can handle mechanical cleaning but can shine even brighter with a little TLC. A mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush can work wonders, especially if your Bloodstone is set alongside other gems.
Wearing Your Bloodstone
There's really no wrong way to wear a Bloodstone, but here's a tip: keep it somewhere visible. Let its energy remind you of its unique charm and significance.
The Art of Designing a Signet Ring
At HerbertandWilks Jewellery I love creating jewellery that tells a story. For my first Bloodstone signet ring, I chose a cabochon-cut stone and embarked on a journey to craft a simple Oval signet ring in wax. My process involves an array of tools like saws, files, and knife blades to carve out and smooth the ring. The aim - To make it as refined and smooth as possible, which makes the subsequent metalwork easier.
I admit, my approach is generally somewhat organic, but I decided for this ring to add a touch more refinement to the design to make setting the stone a breeze (well that is the hope!). Yes, it took me time over two days to bring this piece to life, but I consider every moment a valuable lesson and part of the creative process. The ring is now on its way to being cast, and I’m eagerly anticipating the results and the setting of the Bloodstone.
The Magic of Lost Wax Casting
I love the lost wax casting process, which yields a unique surface finish that I adore. This ancient technique involves several steps:
Creating the Original Model: In our case, a wax ring.
Adding the Sprue: This little pathway allows molten metal to flow and hot air to escape. It's attached to a larger tree-like structure.
Coating in Silica Slurry: We dip the tree into a slurry of silica and stucco, creating a ceramic shell mould. We repeat this step until the shell is about half an inch thick.
Kiln Time: The mould is placed in a kiln to burn out the wax while further hardening the mould's surface.
Pouring Magic: the metal is melted in a crucible and carefully poured it into the shell mould. In commercial settings, metal is injected into the moulds via vacuum seals for precision.
Cooling and Cleaning: After the pour, the shell is left to cool, then it's either hammered, sandblasted, or submerged in water to remove the outer layers. The sprues are cut, and any unused material gets recycled for future castings.
Finishing Touches: Lastly, I carefully file and polish to achieve that perfect look.
So, there you have it – the journey from Bloodstone to Signet ring. I hope this glimpse into my creative process has been as enjoyable for you as it has been for me.
Remember, it's not about perfection; it's about the joy of learning and growing with each piece we create.
Stay tuned for the reveal of my Bloodstone signet ring across in my socials.
Sally x