About
Sapphires have few rivals in the world of
gemstones. They belong to the corundum group of minerals, classified as
a 9 on the Mohs scale: only diamonds are harder than sapphires. While
this gem is largely cherished for its beauty today, it was often used in
the making of axes and other sharp tools in China as early as 4000 BCE.
Perhaps this durability has lead many to attach the sapphire to
attributes such as truth, faithfulness, and permanence.
Artist
Elizabeth Ryan began designing jewelry under the name Looka Jewelry in 2006 after falling in love with metalsmithing in college. She finds that one of the joys of being a jeweler is "creating something that others hold on to and find sentimental value in."� Ms. Ryan’s design for the contest was inspired by what she herself would want in an engagement ring. "As someone always working with my hands I liked the idea of creating a special ring that could be very wearable but also felt unique and handmade, perhaps something other artists might like to wear,"� she says.
The winning ring design features two birds on either side of a 5mm white topaz stone, a design choice Ryan says was inspired by a love of cute things and nature: "I liked the idea of two love birds as a representation of love and partnership."
Details
- 14k White Gold
- 5mm White Sapphire
- band is 3.8mm in the back and 8.7mm at the front with 5mm bezel setting
- TLC for your white gold and precious gemstone jewelry
