For the Classical Period Re-enactor

Rings

All of the rings in this section were made in the classicial, pre-drawplate method. The metal is beaten into sheet or bar, and sheared to the desired sizes. Round shanks and wires are made by twisting the bar and then rolling it between smooth blocks to round the corners. The beaded sections are done by rolling the metal on a wooden block under a sort of swedge tool. Perforations in the metal are done by punching with a small drift and hammering the outer profile.

 

 

Eye Ring

The stone on this .999 stirrup ring is cut so as to create an eye pattern in the natural banding. It spins freely and can be made to show different patterns. The ring is of a type common from antiquity, and is roughly a size 12

Stirrup Ring

This .999 silver stirrup ring has a fully drilled antique faceted carnelian. The shoulders are pierced and the stone is strung with wire that is wrapped down the sides. It is roughly a size 11

 

 

 

Thetford Ring

This ring is based on some of the finger rings in the Thetford find, a hoard from around 350ce. It is set with a carnelian, and is roughly a size 8. These are available with other stones and in other sizes.

Emerald Ring

This ring is made of 18K gold, and set with a full drilled natural emerald crystal, and of a pattern common during the Roman Republic. The shank is made of three beaded wires with granules at the shoulders. This ring is roughly a size 6.

 

 

Vivas Ring

This silver ring is composed of three strips of beaded wire with granules and a plate engraved with "VIVAS", a common inscription on Roman rings. It is roughly a size 7.

Serpentine Ring

I make these tapered beaded rings with a variety of terminals; single curve, as above, and more complex forms. They are all somewhat adjustable, but come in a variety of sizes, so please indicate your ring size when ordering.

 
Pivot Seal

This rock crystal intaglio seal is of the sort used in antiquity. It is set in sterling silver with a tapered hourglass hanger, on which the seal pivots for use. The whole assemblage measures about 40mm in width by about 70mm high.

 

Pins

   

 Romano-Celtic Pin

These elegant little brooches are from around 100bce are also available in silver on request.

 Granulated Octagonal Pin

This little greek style silver brooch is forged to a tapered octagonal cross section, with an integral spring and pin, and ornamented with granules on the head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Roman Pin

These Imperial era brooches are also available in silver on request.

 Bow Brooch

This bow brooch is fabricated of sterling silver, with an elaborate mechanism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dragonesque Pin (large)

Also available in silver and in silver with enamel.

 Dragonesque Pin (small)

Also available in bronze without stones.

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Forged Pin

Also available in copper.

 Forged Pins Set with Garnets

Available on request with other stones.

 

Earrings

 

 Greko-Scythian earrings - Silver

These earring can be special ordered in gold.

 Roman earrings - Emerald, pearl, and 18K gold

SOLD

If you have gemstone beads, I can make earrings of this type to fit them, in either silver or gold.

 Bronze Age Irish Earrings - silver

Developed during the Bishopsland phase of the Irish bronze age, this type disappeared by 1,000bce everywhere except in west central Africa, where similar earrings are still made today.

  Greko-Scythian earrings - 22K Gold

These earring were special ordered, but more can be made, and in a variety of alloys.

 

Torcs

Ribbon torcs make only a brief appearance in the archaeological record, from about 1,200 bce to about 1,000 bce yet they are one of the most intriguing forms in the history of metal work. They are part of a broader style that is referred to as the Bishopsland Phase of the Irish bronze age. Work from this period has little to no surface decoration, but it tends to be extremely dimensional, taking its interest from its form. (See bronze age earrings above.) Until recently the making of these torcs was not well understood, but in 2002 and 2003 this changed with the use of deer antlers as the forming tools. Now we understand how complex and time consuming the process actually was, though why they disappeared from the scene for three thousand years is still not known.

 Small Ribbon Torc
.999 silver - 90mm

 Large Ribbon Torc
Sterling silver - 140mm

 

Bronze arrowheads and nock

These arrowpoints are also available with additional barbs.

 

 

If you have questions about any of my work, or want to see more detailed images of any of the things you see here do not hesitate to contact me.

Bill Dawson
3403 Steamboat Island Road NW
PMB # 527
Olympia, WA 98502