Tyler Haas | Purple Thunder

Artist: Tyler Haas, Oregon
Materials: sterling silver, 22k gold, 24k gold, amethyst
Size: 8 1/2

Artist Statement: This ring was inspired by a thunder egg or a geode, where on the outside it looks like a rough stone but break it open and you see sparkling amethyst crystals inside. I wax carved and cast the basic form for the rings, and soldered on extra components like the rough surface of the ring on the top and bottom. The jagged seam where the two rings meet one another is made from 22K gold. The lightning strikes on the surface are 24k gold inlay. The interior is bead set with many amethysts ranging from 1.75-3.5 mm, sprinkled about chaotically like the crystals in a geode. They are arrayed in hombre from lighter Brazilian amethyst near the surface to a darker African amethyst deeper in. I added a beautiful concave cut oval amethyst at the center of the ring, set in 22k gold prongs. The ring is designed to fit snugly and comfortably between the adjacent fingers, showing only the surface of the ring and disguising the sparkling secret within.

Artist Bio: Tyler Haas is a jewelry designer living and creating in Bend, Oregon. He designs and creates artisan jewelry using precious metals and natural gemstones from around the world. Tyler sculpts silver and gold in beautiful and unique ways to show off the natural beauty of the stones he works with. His designs are rooted in fantasy and art nouveau fashion. Tyler draws inspiration from Lord of the Rings Elven style. His designs are striking and unique pieces of wearable art.

This ring was part of Battle of the Rings: Ring Smackdown 2023, an online exhibition and competition. View the entire collection HERE, view the matches HERE, and learn more HERE.