Tag: Pearls

Trust me. I am a designer

Published on by Dan BalkLeave a comment
Dan Balk Jewelry Silver Ring with a triangle amethyst and pearls.
Dan Balk Jewelry Sterling Silver Square Ring

Traditionally, rings are round in shape. However, when you examine the human finger you notice that they are not, in fact, round. Our wonderful fingers, which allow us to perform so may tasks- from eating food to expressing our feelings toward the driver who just cut us off, are rounded at the top and bottom and somewhat flat on the sides.

Rings designed with the finger’s anatomy in mind are far more comfortable to wear. They also reduce swelling by allowing for venous return from the finger.

There are other advantages to alternatively shaped rings. Round rings, when set with gemstones on top, become unbalanced and ‘roll’ on the finger. This change of position of the gemstone in relationship to the finger is not only annoying and uncomfortable, but changes the presentation of the gemstone diminishing the overall look of the stone.

Rings should be designed for comfort and style. If the ring is uncomfortable and restricts blood flow it will not be worn. If the jewelry is boring, and doesn’t reflect the wearers personal aesthetic, it wont be worn.

Life is to short for boring uncomfortable jewelry.  Trust me. I am a designer…

A Play Thing

Published on by Dan BalkLeave a comment
Handcrafted unique contemporary designer art jewelry by Dan Balk
Silver Art Ring

The word jewellery comes from jewel, from the old French jouel, which in turn comes from the latin jocale, which means ‘plaything’.

This piece is made in sterling silver that was hand fabricated from raw materials. I recycled old silver from former pieces and added (14K) green gold accent. I alloy my own metals, and really love the color of gold I am able to achieve with the right combinations of gold, silver and copper. A cobalt druzy, black pearls, a peach button pearl, amethyst and blue topaz are set in this wearable sculpture that I made by hand from design to finished piece from my jewelry studio in Tampa, Florida.