Shrine Ring

Ring size: P1/2
Top stone measures: 20 x 15mm 
 
This one of a kind ring was hand carved out of wax, and cast in recycled silver. The story behind the piece was inspired by my visits to cemetaries. I always try to visit a cemetary when I am in a new place, and what always strikes me is the abundance of synthetic flowers.
 
The beauty of flowers is their fleeting blooms; they are so wonderful due to their heightened bloom being ephemeral. There is a similarity here to human life. The act of placing synthetic flowers on a grave seems to have this forced permanence, reflecting the permanence of death, and I find these contrasts fascinating. 
 
Using synthetic opals, I wanted to create a shrine to the artificial. The way opals are formed is almost miraculous; the flashes of colour are dependent on the controlled circumstances of their development, and so I felt they were the perfect stone to reflect my research. 
 
For more information, please contact Ruby.