Portfolio / Custom Made, Hand Engraved Class Ring in 14k Gold
Project Details
Project Type: Custom signet ring, fabrication, extensive hand engraved heraldry on top, lettering on outer perimeter, extensive hand engraving on sides and shoulders
Materials: Square top signet ring, standard thickness in 14k yellow gold, sized to 7.0 from master model
Design Elements: Official school seal on top, lettering to describe department (Crop Science) and grad year (2011), interpret school mascot graphic (Mustang) to 3 dimensional carving on one side, collaboratively designed sunrise/mountains/crop rows on other side, additional flourishes, custom monogram engraved inside
Design Source: California Polytechnic State University Official Seal, customer reference images and sketch, collaborative discussion, artistic autonomy (read: “just do your thing!”)
Project Notes
A fantastic and welcome opportunity to create a true grad ring that defies the norm of cheap, computer designed class rings that come off a sterile, gaudy and flimsy. While a handcrafted signet ring is certainly more expensive, it shows an appreciation for the genuine skill and masterful technique reflecting hard-won accomplishment following years of diligent studies.
The customer was fully engaged in the process, describing his wishes and design aspirations over the course of several collaborative discussions along with specifics about what elements would best reflect the nature of a degree from the Cal Poly Horticulture and Crop Science Department.
While the school seal on top initially represented the lion’s share of the work required, over the course of several weeks, simple engraving ideas for the sides were expanded and fleshed out to become elaborate and fully engraved shanks and perimeter at added cost, which the customer willing accepted as the final design represented his true ideal of a California State Polytechnic University grad ring.
Warren's Notes
I was excited and honored to take on this project. I don’t even try to compete with online shops that crank out CAD class rings like Cracker Jack prizes, but it can be discouraging. But then a customer will come along and agree that a handmade class ring is so much more personal and should represent years of hard work and dedication. I threw everything I had into this project. All my design and engraving skills were pushed to the max just to prove that hand engraving is better than computer printing and because my customer knew it.
– Warren Smith, Proprietor, The Coast Handworks Co.
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It starts from scratch...
Select this square signet ring model with a 2mm top (3mm top also availabe), then customize your order to suit your size, karat, and design wishes. Cost will calculate automatically based on your input. Place a deposit when you’re ready and we’ll start fabricating your ring. We’ll be in touch with sketches and discussion about your design details to meet with your full approval before engraving it.
