Russian Inspired Rings

Silver and Copper Ring

I have recently been designing and making some rings with three intertwined bands. They're inspired by Russian wedding bands. There is also an Elizabethan version, which is called the Gimmal Ring. They're usually made of gold with three different coloured bands, e.g. white, yellow and rose. However, I make them with silver and sometimes copper.
There are various different meanings for the 3 bands. I'm not sure which is the original, but here are a couple that I've found. (I've provided links at the bottom to show where I got some of the answers.)

Silver Ring with Varied Textures

The first meaning behind the 3 bands relates to Christianity. Each ring represents one part of the trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Also the circles being an endless line can symbolise eternity or God.
The second meaning is based on only 2 colours for the 3 bands; white (i.e. silver colour) and yellow. The white colour is a symbol of the sun god, and the yellow colour is a symbol of the moon god. It could be that the ring was inspired by paganism before Christianity came to Russia.

Silver and Copper Ring with Varied Textures

If you would like to buy a Russian inspired ring, feel free to visit my Folksy shop:
http://folksy.com/shops/SilverChestnut?shop_section=rings





Research links:
http://woodenwedding-rings.com/russian-wedding-rings

http://uk.ask.com/question/what-is-the-history-of-russian-wedding-ring

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1941911

First Christmas Craft Fair

My first Christmas craft fair is fast approaching. I'm looking forward to it as I haven't done many craft fairs before and with it being Christmas themed I'm sure it will change the atmosphere. I am looking forward to interacting with the customers and meeting others in the design/craft world.




I've managed to get ahead with my preparation and have stocked up on most things. Only a few more pieces to make and a week and a half to make them, which should be enough time. I've even managed to make a few Christmas/winter themed items for it. (See photo) Is anyone else preparing for Christmas?





This first fair is being held at Zeus Restaurant in Huddersfield town centre. I've never been there so I'm a bit nervous as I'm not quite sure what it will be like. (Has anyone else been to this restaurant?) However, I am also excited about it because it's going to be in a town centre on a Saturday so hopefully that means lots of potential customers.

If you are in the area and interested in coming along to see my work, and others', please feel free to come along. You may even find some Christmas presents! It's happening from 10 - 3 at the Zeus Restaurant (address below).

Zeus Restaurant
35 Kirkgate
Huddersfield
HD1 1QT

4 sales in just over a week!

It's been such a good week since I got back from holiday that I just had to tell people. Within the first day of re-opening my shop on Folksy, I had a sale. I wonder if they had been waiting for me to re-open to buy it.

My first sale - Frosted Leaf

Two days later I had another sale on Folksy. It was one of my items that I have set as 'made to order', so I made it and sent it off.

My second sale - Daisy Studs

Then a friend of a friend wanted some jewellery as an anniversary present. They looked at my jewellery and wanted something making that was similar to some of the items with a few changes. I designed and made them a set of matching earrings and necklace. (If you'd like a design making for you feel free to contact me on jenny@silverchestnut.co.uk)

My third sale - Semi Textured Set

My final sale, and hopefully not the last, of the week was today on Folksy Some of my earrings this time. All these sales are really good. I hope it's a sign of more sales to come, although it does mean that I have to make a few more bits of jewellery to restock before the Christmas craft fairs.

My final sale - Dangly Textured Earrings

I'm back!

I'm back from my holiday. We had a good time, but it's also good to be back.

I'll soon be writing more about the craft fairs and jewellery parties that are coming up, so keep your eye out for more posts!

Have any of you been on holiday anywhere nice?