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Friday, January 15, 2010

Conquering Mental Blocks

When I learned how to do flush-set stones about a year and a half ago, I started with silver (easy), moved on to yellow gold (harder), and eventually tried white gold (#$%&@!!!). White gold was tough, literally. Since it's a harder, less forgiving metal, I had a really hard time setting those tiny little stones into it. I tried a couple of times and got so frustrated that I gave up. Ever since, when I've received requests from customers to do flush-set stones in white gold (and there have been many, many requests), I've simply declined. But it pains me greatly, not only to lose out on business, but to be unable to give my customers what they want, and ultimately, to disappoint myself. So today, I resolved to overcome my fear. After all, it's probably been a year since I've attempted this particular skill, and in that time I've had a lot more practice...

... et voila!

moissanite white gold ringMoissanite and recycled 14k white gold wedding band, size 7

I did it!!! And I must say, I'm feeling pretty proud of myself today. There are often many frustrations and let-downs working in any creative field, and I tend to judge myself and my work pretty harshly, so I'm making a conscious effort to enjoy this little success today.

I hope you too are having a success-filled, joyful day.

6 comments:

Sarah G said...

That is such a BEAUTIFUL wedding band. So, so beautiful.

supersweetsilver said...

Wow! Stunning ring. I am still in the bezel setting stage, and only beginning at that. All your rings are stunning.

Raquel

JudyM said...

Yes, Tamara, it looks absolutely perfect! It's also a very pretty ring.

littlecherryhill said...

Fantastic work! I can't wait to learn to flush set...but I am miles from that yet. Now you can take all those custom orders!!! :)

Test said...

Congratulations! It always feels so good to overcome obstacles. :)

Veganosaurus said...

Way to go Tamara! :) That's a fabulous ring!