unusual rings

This beautiful and unusual bird feeder can add an elegant touch to your balcony or garden. Gaby Alcerreca crafts the grooved ring with high-fired ceramic with an adjustable steel cable for hanging. The exterior design is hand-painted in the style of Mexico's Talavera ceramics. The food is placed in the interior groove.

Like a scene of nature's chemistry, soothing green tones ascend this unusual vase in an evolution of expressive rings. Presented by Daeng Thanunchai, the piece revels in the glassy surface of lacquered design. A modern and original Thai accent for the home. Not intended for use with water.

To complete this piece, coiled bamboo basketry is carved into the desired shape on a lathe. A mixture of lacquer - obtained from the Gluta usitata tree - and ashes of burnt rice paddy husks is then applied to the object. Upon exposure to air the mixture dries to form a watertight seal that is polished before another coat is applied. This process is repeated until a rigid base is formed, and a final polishing is executed with sandpaper. Then several coats of pure lacquer are painted on the object, with drying periods in between each coat.

The work is partially polished with sandpaper according to a predetermined pattern - generally concentric - and a few coats of different lacquer colors are applied to the surface, then the object is left to dry for a few days. The process remains identical for each ensuing color, alternating lacquering and polishing sessions until the design is achieved. The final coat is washed with water and polished with powdered fired clay, offering an irresistible sheen.

Lavishly embellished with rawa, or silver granulation, this sterling silver cocktail ring is a stunner. The substantial crown is further accented by tiny jingling balls suspended at six points around the ring. The simply polished ring band can be adjusted slightly.

Contemporary design meets primitive inspiration in this environmentally conscious collection of statement jewelry. The Pertiwi Collection of Bali presents this unusual pair of hoop earrings. Thick oval rings of oxidized sterling silver are attached to earring posts, while three brass rings float freely at the bottom.

Three gleaming bands of silver intertwine in an eternal bond as Wayan Asmana creates a metaphor for lifelong relationships. The fluid design of this unusual ring reveals a handsome minimalism.

.925 Sterling silver

Traditional hill tribe chic permeates this unusual ring from Achara. Crafted by hand, the wide 950 silver band narrows comfortably at the back.

Fanciful and unusual, this ring is covered with shining silver globes. They surround a dazzling blue Mabe pearl in a design with Indonesian elegance. It comes from Kadek Wijanegara in beautiful Bali.

.925 Sterling silver

This unusual ring by Buana evokes the majestic golden eagle, an endangered species in some parts of the world. Beautifully detailed in sterling silver, the ring is set with faceted citrine and blue topaz totaling 1.5 carats.

Traditional hill tribe chic permeates this unusual ring from Achara. Crafted by hand, three ornate spirals evoke moonlight. The motifs are stamped by hand into the sterling silver.

.925 Sterling silver

It is not unusual for women artisans in Chiapas to band together to form cooperatives and associations such as the Petrona Perez and the Women Artisans Association. Such organization allows them to share sales and management tasks and gives them political and social clout they might not have otherwise. It also allows them to experiment with new products such as this black cotton table runner embroidered with bright orange flowers.

India's Chintan presents this stunning cocktail ring, which features an unusual oblong gemstone. A rose quartz cabochon is bezel set in sterling silver, augmented by a delicately curved rectangular frame with intricate swirls and dots. The ring is oxidized for contrast and definition.

Moving gently in unison, silver leaves dance to the music of the wind. Wararat Supasirisuk presents an unusual variation of the classic hoop earring, handcrafted in sterling silver.

.925 Sterling silver.