Like all of Kirra-Lea's work, due to her distinctive sand-casting process, this piece is one-of-a-kind. This ring has 29 cast-in-place sapphires, with autumnal oranges, pinks and yellow, set into the top face of the signet ring as well as around the sides. The sand casting process gives the metal a soft matt texture while still being bright silver in colour.
Materials: sterling silver, 29 x sapphires.
Dimensions of ring face: 13mm x 14mm
Height of ring face above shank: 3mm
Ring size: S
Based in Tasmania, Australia, Kirra-lea works as the sole manufacturer and designer from her home studio. She has collected sticks and twigs from her surroundings as she walks through her garden, or when visiting friends and camping at landmark destinations including Wilson's Promontory, Victoria. Only the most unique and beautifully textured twigs are used to build the base of her designs.
Kirra-lea is also an accomplished sand caster and specialises in cast-in-place rough sapphires. This unique skill has enabled her to travel around Australia teaching fellow jewellers and novices alike the ancient technique. All her rough sapphires are Australian mined by small family businesses and hobbyists. Kirra-lea also makes fossicking trips into the Tasmanian wilderness where she finds her own rough gemstones in the pristine North East rivers. The riverbanks are also a great source for interesting sticks and twigs to incorporate into her designs.
Kirra-lea has won multiple competitions, including The JAA Jewellery Awards, DGA Design Awards, and most recently Jeweller of the Year in the 2019 JAA Design competition.
Kirra-lea is a qualified jeweller with over 10 years’ experience. She specialises in hand-crafted sterling silver and gold jewellery that is inspired by nature.
