BORDEAUX – Swarovski Crystal & Pearl Cocktail Cluster Ring in Wine
by Laura Evans.
(Glendale, California USA)
I wasn’t consciously planning it. This project has been creating itself while I slept. There were four events that came together like a perfect cocktail ring storm:
1. I was given a cheap, H&M imitation pearl cluster ring as a gift a few years ago that I LOVED. Unfortunately, one by one, each pearl broke free of its thin metal bondage and I was ultimately left with a sad, sparse, shell of a ring which I realized, to my deep regret, was ultimately unwearable.
2. A few months ago, I had my eye on a beautiful crystal cube cluster ring in the Swarovski store. When I finally went back to buy it, the ring was gone and I was told they were no longer being made.
3. I have a cheap IKEA crystal chandelier, the crystals on which are actually made of plastic. Having always loved real crystals, I decided to perform an upgrade and started researching chandelier crystals online. In so doing, I discovered access to the Swarovski cube crystals that I had seen in the Swarovski store so I bought some.
4. The crystals came and I thought maybe I could add them to the cheap H&M ring. Like peanut-butter and chocolate, the rest is history.
I originally made this ring for myself. When my dear friend Leslie asked me about it, I realized I could make a ring for her too. Then I got excited about all the colors and realized other people might also like these rings.
I researched quality findings (like sterling silver and 14k gold filled) and while I was deciding whether or not to go into the ring-making business, I started training as a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster children). During training, I was told that some of the foster children have never had anything new EVER.
Some people donate gift cards, and if it’s a child’s birthday or graduation, we have access to that stash to buy our child a gift, or take them shopping. I realized that I could provide a gift card directly to a foster child through each sale of a ring, and that the gift would go directly to the child.
So that’s my story.
What? The chandelier? Oh, it’s glorious.
Laura Evans
llama bird
Comments:
Loving the colors
by: Leigh
of this ring and what a wonderful way to help out those in need. Very generous of you.
You go girl!
by: Nicole
I love your ring and your ideas. I also create for foster and abused children. I donate part of my sales to St. Jude Children’s Ranch. I can tell you it is a thrill each time you get to send them a check! Lots of luck to you.
Nicole
Victorianology
wow
by: Irene
What a lovely ring and a lovely story!
Swarovski cocktal cluster ring
by: Claudia
The ring is beautiful and how wonderful of you to give back. It’s good karma!!
