Shell

Savannah, GA — October 2025

During my Intro to Jewelry class at SCAD I was tasked with creating a sculptural ring featuring a stone setting. I approached the design using repoussé and anticlastic techniques to build form and movement. Working in sterling silver, I chased and raised the metal to form a shell-like contour, emphasizing organic curves and a concave interior that echoes a natural seashell.

After completing the forming process, I flush-set a faceted stone into the bottom of the shell, positioning it so the gem sits nestled within the curve and catches light from within the form. The shell component was then soldered to an 18-gauge sterling band, ensuring structural integrity and a seamless transition between setting and shank. The piece was finished with a thorough high polish to enhance the reflective qualities of the silver and to accentuate the contrast between the smooth band and the sculptural shell.

The result is a sculptural wearable that combines traditional metalsmithing techniques with a considered stone placement, creating a compact, tactile ring that references natural forms while retaining clean, contemporary lines.