project 19, page 46

project 8, left, page 24

project 33 below, page 74

I love the "30 -MINUTE series", with its stunning hand picked projects by Marthe Le Van,  from Lark Jewelry and Beading. So far, we have been have offered earrings and necklaces, and now here we are offered rings which we can make in 30 minutes flat!  As the title says additionally, there are "60 Quick & Creative Projects for Jewelers".

These have been designed by forty nine top jewelry designers and, as always, the mission is to let one's imagination soar all the while working rapidly (so you don't overthink and stunt your creativity)  on these mind bogglingly stunning rings.

Yes, we are assured that each ring can be made in thirty minutes! We are also informed by Marthe Le Van  in her introduction, "Don't let the gorgeous photography fool you! 30-Minute Rings

offers designs for all skill levels, ranging from wirework and cold connections to soldering and simple stone setting. Most often you'll only need basic tools, such as a jewelry saw, pliers, files, and a hammer."

Marthe also states earlier in her introduction, " Your hands are among the most expressive parts of your body. They communicate joy and frustration, anxiety and experience, and love and hope with incredible fluency. 

And what's the most effective way of drawing attention to these clever communications? Having fingers full of rings, of course!"

I admit I do love rings almost more than any other kind of jewelry. I had no  idea why however, until Ms. Le Van  wrote the paragraph I just quoted above. I believe that there are all sorts of reasons why hands are beautiful, whether they are older, or younger. I think we should celebrate our hands with rings we have created ourselves, with the help of this stunning book, at every turn.

I took a few pictures from  Google so that you could see some of the diversity of the rings you could choose to make within the thirty minute time period. This is just a small sampling of the sixty rings you will see and  adore. There is also a crocheted wire ring setting (this charming design reminds me of the fairy tale, "Briar Rose") (see project number nine, by Dace Vitola) delicately holding a stone or bead of your choice, many amazing and lyrical modern rings, such as the red heart shaped polypropelene ring by Roberto Zanon (project number 15), and classic but outstandingly designed rings such as the sterling band with amethysts by Victoria Tilcotson. There is even a fantastic chain maille ring for us chain maille freaks or Wanna Be's!

Additionally, wait until you see the copper rose ring by Cynthia Del Gudice! It is just a total knock out!

I particularly like that fact that this book frequently offers you the option of a variation on the ring project in question, to expand your creativity even further. It is very helpful and makes 30-Minute Rings even more useful and valuable to an enthusiastic designer.

See what you can do with your hands ... and then see what your fingers can express ... when you make some of the rings in this book, and then wear them with pride.  

This is truly a hip," hands-on", winner of a book.

Marthe Le Van and her choice of really great designers have once again truly given us a unique, lovely, reason to want to make jewelry!

Free yourself and your creativity with

 30-MINUTE rings

by MARTHE LE VAN

60 Quick and Creative

Projects for Jewelers

It will be an exciting experience for you. I found this book in the series to be transporting.

Grab for the ring, go for a ride, and be a winner!

Please note: There are no basic step out techniques shown per se, as with the other 30-minute offerings. However you get a Bench Tool Kit list and a Soldering Kit list following the introduction. On the same page, The Ultimate Jeweller's Guide by Johanna Gollberg is mentioned and suggested if you need a quick brush up on certain techniques. This excellent book by Gollberg is a very helpful book for jewelry designers to own and keep for reference. 

jean

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.