Ring of Valour

My lovely step-mum commissioned me to make a signature ring for my Dad’s birthday today.

He was a sheep farmer before he retired a few years ago and is very much a man of the land. Coincidentally, he’s also born under the star sign, Aries the Ram. And his favourite colour is blue. This gave me some strong themes to work with in designing his ring.

I sculpted some rams in recycled fine silver and set a lapis lazuli stone into the piece. It’s a big ring, similar in size and style to a favourite turquoise ring that he’s worn to death over the past 40 years or so. My step-mum wanted something similar that she knew he’d like.

It’s always nerve-wracking making something for someone you care about, but…he likes it. Phew!

The ram has been a powerful symbol through history, symbolising leadership and decisiveness, with the horns symbolising creativity. My dad is all these things. He’s a strong-minded, energetic and action-oriented man with an incredible talent for innovation and invention. He’ll lie awake at night inventing solutions to problems, both small and large, that cross his path.

Here’s to a very happy birthday for this special warrior ram.