The Art of Mending

When accidents happen, David will always work to restore a ring rather than write it off and make a new ring; which in most cases would be the easier option.  

I often liken our first work-in-progress photographs of clients rings to 'lumps of clay on a potters wheel'.    It is fitting then that David's restorations have much in common with 'Kintsugi'; a Japanese pottery technique which honors that which is broken.  Kintsugi comes from a belief that when something’s suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful.    It is the art of mending.  Honouring the history and the love story that every ring holds ...

This is the Story of Jason's Touch Wood Ring.  In early March this email arrived ...

" I hope things are well at Touch Wood Rings. 8 years ago you and David made me a beautiful wood wedding ring and I have treasured it ever since. Unfortunately 2 months ago I lost the ring - or so I thought. I left it on the counter in the break room at work and when I went back to get it, it was gone. The cleaning person said she may have mistakenly swept it into the trash. After dumping out the trash bin and painstakingly picking through all the trash piece by piece with several people helping me, we couldn't find it. 

I figured it was gone - lost forever. Then one day I got a call to come to the front desk and there is the cleaning person – holding my ring! Apparently, it had somehow dropped into the dishwasher - and had endured 2-3 wash cycles per day for two months!!

Although the ring has clearly taken a beating, I want to commend you on an incredibly durable ring. The inside and outside are still completely intact. Nothing peeled off or cracked. I am amazed it held up so well.

Where the finish on the ring had already worn off, the wood is severely bleached.  I am attaching a photo. Sorry - I don't have a photo of the original new ring. It is Walnut on the outside. Do you think the ring can be repaired/refurbished to its original condition - or close to it? "

We encouraged Jason to send his ring back to see what David might be able to do.  

Here is a photo of Jason’s original (January 2008) ring~  He commissioned a dark Walnut wood ring with a featured knot and a dark Oak interior liner.

This is how it came back after 8 years and a few months of a wild dish-washing misadventure …

and here ... are a couple of pics of Jason’s restored ring ~ 

"Wow. Wow. WOW! It looks awesome! I can't believe it. I really expected David to say it was un-savable. Tremendous work.  

So happy I made the decision to ask you to be involved in something so important to me. I will let you know when it arrives. Thank you, Nicola and David!

As the Jacaranda's were blooming in Los Angeles, (Jason's photograph which I just love and had to share) his ring arrived home.

"The ring is now in/on hand! It looks great. All is right with the world again. Thanks so much for the restoration, it even has some nice details now that it didn't have before. Please send my compliments to David. - Jason"

Thanks so much Jason!  Our pleasure!!  And thanks for letting me tell the story of your 'dishwasher ring'.  Our dearest love to you and Pia and the girls.  As ever.  Nicola and David

Anything, Anywhere ...

We began our conversations with Jackie and Lori from New York State back in July of 2013. They are a busy couple ~ one works nights, one works days!  They have an 11 year old daughter, and a love of life that shone through every communication.

 

 In October David created their rings of Hawaiian Koa and Maple wood incorporating some special shells and stone they sent for their inlays.   

When we sent the final pics of their rings they wrote:

"If the rings look this great from the picture, they are going to be amazing in person..I can't believe this is the final product from that rough cut first picture..I will be checking the mail everyday!! Thank you Thank you Thank you  Jackie and Lori

The rings are beautiful.. We even managed to set a date-April 26 2014! Thank you so much for all the hard work, I can't wait to share the story behind them..."

And then in late April ~ the happy news 

"Nicola and David...well, we did it! 

We finally said "I Do"...thanks again for the wonderful rings..."

I asked Lori and Jackie if I might post a few of their pics and the piece written by their Pastor; April Gismondi

"The compliments on our rings have been non stop! We would be honored to have our experienced noted on your site..no doubt your future endeavors will be as happy as we are. The pastor was amazing..she was so thrilled to hear the story of our rings!"

Pastor April Gismondi    “Lori and Jackie have chosen rings that are unlike any others in the whole entire world. They were handcrafted of wood, an eco-friendly and sustainable substance. They also contain a blending of seashells from the beaches of Long Island where Jackie is from, and Herkimer diamonds to represent the region of Upstate New York where Lori grew up. These two substances were meshed together to form an inlay and a pair of rings that are unique and beautiful much in the same way that their relationship is unique unto them."

 

It's been an honour and a delight working with these women and sharing in their happiness.

  Thank you Jackie and Lori for coming into our lives and for inviting us to create these important symbols of your love for each other.  

Bright Blessings!  Now and always.