Max Meier | Stone Setting

Artist: Max Meier, Indiana
Materials: green river stone, garnet
Size: 10 1/2

Artist Statement: This ring was the result of some experiments with new materials. I've always been curious about stone carving, and one day decided to just give it a try with a random landscaping rock. Shockingly, it was easier than I expected to carve, even into something as delicate as a ring band. Whenever I discover a new my process my first reaction is to push the boundaries, and in this case I decided that meant some spicy stone on stone action. So I selected one of my favorite rocks from my horde - one I'd picked up on a hiking trip to a waterfall a few years earlier, because of the beautiful green color and distinctive yellow veins, and set to work with diamond burrs, grinding stones, and lots of wet sanding. I finished it off as a signet style ring, set with a 4mm garnet, and achieved my goal of a stone set ring with stone as the only material.

Artist Bio: Max is a metalsmith, currently a second year MFA in metalsmithing/jewelry design at IU Bloomington, and holds a BA from Earlham College.

He got his start in metalwork through blacksmithing at an early age, and has gradually focused in on finer details in his work as time has gone by. His work is influenced by a love of fantasy, as well as an interest in tools, processes, and mechanisms.

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.