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The lessons this commissioned Tripache Amethyst ring taught me

Commissions for me is always fraught with dangers and additional stress, as so many things can either go wrong or be misinterpreted, resulting in sometimes things going astray and not running smoothly

All of my ring designs are not only one of a kind, but they are actually samples that I sell.

When a customer fell in love with a teardrop Tripache Anethyt ring that was too small for his finger, it was easy for me to offer him the commission option where he got to chose the:

Width and shape of the ring shank
Pattern or texture of the ring shank
Size of the ring,
Stone he wanted
Shape and the size of the stone, and
Orientation of the stone setting

I have created so many different commissioned rings over the last 4 years that it's really second nature to me, however this time things didn't go as smoothly and to plan.

With so many commission rings in my order book somehow I managed to really screw this order up. I think it's most probably the pressure of having so many things on the go, working out timelines for hallmarking and the sheer number of markets and pop up events I had booked for November.

For this particular commission, it was supposed to be a size V pattern octagonal ring with a teardrop Tripache Amethyst stone.

What I actually created was a size T horizontal set oval Tripache Amethyst stone octagonal ring:

Horizontal set Oval Tripache Amethyst Octagonal ring

The really funny thing is that when I messaged the customer with the photograph of the ring to make arrangements for him to collect it, he didnt realise that I had used the wrong shaped stone.

When creating rings, I am always really really nervous when I initially hand over the ring to the customer and until it's on their finger and they say that they are happy that it fits properly that's when I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I fulfilled the brief.

So when I handed the ring over to this customer and it was clearly too small for his finger, I'm scratching my head thinking how have I got it so wrong?

I measured his finger. I wrote it in the book. I knew what shape the ring was going to be in this case, octagonal and I knew it was going to have a mandala stamp all over why wasn't it fitting?

Has he changed the finger that he wanted it on?

What exactly it happened, as it fits none of his fingers?

As you can imagine, I am completely mortified as well as confused and then had to re-measure his finger again.

We went through the whole process again in terms of what size or shape stone he wanted and when I got home, I photographed all the stones that made his criteria and he selected the third one:

Selection of Tripache Amethyst cabochons for commission ring

This time making a ring for the second time not only did I double checked I tripled and quadrupled checked that I had the right shape, stamped pattern on the ring, the right size and also the correct stone.

Because of the weight of the ring setting it had to be sent off to Birmingham Assay Office for hallmarking, which meant that the turnaround time on this ring would be another three weeks.

When I got the ring back from hallmarking, it was in line with me setting a whole load of stones for rings and again I checked the size of the ring shank just to make sure I've got it correct this time and it was a size V.

Selection of Tripache Amethyst cabochons for commission ring

Happy with the setting I'm now all set to the stone within it's fine and sterling silver bezel setting.

Maybe in a bit of a rush I thought about setting the stone wanting to make sure that it's secure and it doesn't fall out and the last little push disaster strikes and the stone cracks and breaks in half for me. This is an absolute disaster...

Cracked Tripache Amethyst cabochon for whilst setting commission ring

I due to deliver this thing the next day and unfortunately I have to contact the customer to say I can't do this because the tripache Amethyst stone has cracked. showing the picture of the damage:

Cracked Tripache Amethyst cabochon for whilst setting commission ring

I still have four other stones for him to select from and he chooses another stone as a replacement.

What this means for me is that I've got to disconnect the old Stone setting from the ringing shank create a brand-new ring shank for the new stone because they are different sizes in different shapes. I've gone from a teardrop trapiache amethyst to a bit of pebble shape:

Cracked Tripache Amethyst cabochon original and new bezel settings

and then solder the new Stone setting to the ring shank.

Naturally, after what happened to the last stone I'm checking and checking in and checking in to make sure that there's no flaw within the stone and that it doesn't crack.

Nervously, I said the new stone crossing everything hoping that this one will keep its integrity.

And is that my last 2nd to last market I'm able to finally deliver this commissioning to the customer:

Commissioned pebble Tripache Amethyst stamped octagonal ring

Again, I hold my breath while he tries it on until it says those magic words great fit, I absolutely love it. He's happy. I'm happy.

What did I learn from this experience:

Handcrafting anything is a mindful process, that takes time,
Rushing leads to mistakes, slow down,
Do one thing at a time, be present,
Check and recheck the details,
Things go wrong, when they do communication is the key, and
If at first you don't succeed, try and try again

Amethyst: The Stone of Protection, Calm, and Clarity

Amethyst, the stunning purple crystal that has been used for centuries to bring calm and spiritual protection. In this choker, amethyst serves to enhance the wearer’s mental clarity and emotional balance, which are crucial qualities for a start-up entrepreneur.

Amethyst also strengthens the crown chakra, allowing for a deeper connection to the divine and universal energy—an essential tool for energy mapping practitioners. This stone is known for its ability to create a calming aura, clear negative energy, and stimulate spiritual growth.

Metaphysical Benefits: