Sarah Phetteplace | Spinel Curio Ring
Artist: Sarah Phetteplace, New York
Materials: sterling silver, 18k yellow gold, spinel, quartz
Size: 7
Artist Statement: Hand-built from sterling sheet and wire, this ring presents a natural pink spinel crystal magnified below a rock crystal dome. Held within a polished cup, the gem rolls, reflecting on its surrounding bowl and revealing bright rustic planes with each flit. A bed of delicate 18k yellow gold curls, a typical goldsmithing byproduct, is also encased inside the curio - adding warmth and begging inspection. In alternating sizes and variegated pinks, six spinel cabochons pepper a glistening halo. The whole jubilant affair sits on a demi-sphere of silver, silhouetting a perfect orb.
The lofty goal here is to place finished metalwork and polished stone beside raw crystal and “bench sweeps” (the metal that is cut-, filed- or drilled away in production) - joining wrought beauty with that of nature’s innate geometry…but it’s also just a really vivacious little bauble to wear on your finger and look at.
Artist Bio: Sarah is an NYC-based jeweler, educated in goldsmithing technique and theory at the North Bennet Street School. For more than 10 years she has worked as the sole designer and fabricator for her own line, Phetteplace Studio, while also smithing for a Manhattan-based fine jewelry atelier.
Originally from coastal New Hampshire, Sarah grew up exploring mountains to the north and beaches to the east. Boston and, later, NYC have instilled a penchant for Art Deco architectural aesthetic and motif. Combining this with her love for unusual and captivating gems has created a fusion of manmade and natural structure that is the single strongest influence on her work.
Sarah currently lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. When her jewelry bench says it’s okay, she also enjoys photography, travel, hiking, reading, and a good bluesy beat.
This ring is part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2024, an online exhibition and competition. Shop the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.
Rings from this collection will ship, or be available for pick up, after the competition concludes on March 29.