Introducing The Silo Ring

A glistening 18K Palladium White Gold Ring inspired by a nostalgic Virginia structure.

Inspiration from an artist retreat this spring touched a neural response that I had not expected. The plan was to go relax, to take a breather from my daily routine and be grounded in the beauty of the Cowpasture River and the Fort Lewis Lodge's farmstead, while being surrounded by talented artists, soaking in their observations and creativity.

Did this happen?  Yes!  Plus much more!

As I was resting by the shimmering green/blue Cowpasture River, soaking up the sounds and the sun, I started building cairns with the water worn stones and pebbles from the edge of the river. This is a wonderful meditative practice. Those who know me, know our family's fascination with rocks and cairns!

With my back to the river, I looked up from the cairn. And. Ahh. There. A halo of light reflecting the sun, standing mighty through the grand sycamore trees, a nostalgic Virginia structure..

The, Silo! ...

No, not just any silo, but a repurposed, tile sided silo that now houses three guest rooms at the Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm. I knew in that moment, as it spoke loud and clear, that I had to make it into The Silo Ring.

Right away I decided to flip the silo dome upside down, with emphasis on the standing seams and shingle roof, bringing the, down along the shank. I saw a special stone, representing the cool blue, green, gold light play of the river as the centerpiece flanked by baguette diamonds representing the windows.

As soon as I sketched the design, it was a done deal!

Off I went to make it into a ring for my Exploration Series.

After weeks searching for the perfect stone, I found an amazing sparkly green/blue 4.40 carat hexagonal Congalese Tourmaline with a slight hint of gold in the right light, hand cut by the talented gem cutter, David Tyrpak. The Tourmaline represents the gorgeous colors of the Cowpasture River in the spring. It was perfect! The six sided shape of the tourmaline then dictated the final shape of the top of the ring, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary.

This entire original ring has the look of being clad in standing seam metal roofing and shingles, taking its cues from the Silo and is cast in 18K Palladium White Gold. It has a row of twelve 2.75X2.25mm; VS; GHI baguette Diamonds set within the seams representing the windows of the Silo, encircling the center Tourmaline. Two small light green/blue princess cut Sapphires finish out the ring, bringing a touch of color to it's neck, continuing the flow of the river through the ring.

This is my ode to the Silo!

Since the Silo Ring was inspired during an artist retreat presented by the Cowpasture River Preservation Association, I will be making a donation to help them continue hosting this annual Artist Retreat at Fort Lewis Lodge, as it is now on my calendar each year for community and creativity.

The Silo Ring

1 Fancy Hand Cut Tourmaline, 10mm Hex, 4.4ct, green/blue color. Cut by David Tyrpak.

12 Step Cut Baguette Diamonds 2.75 x 2.25mm, VS, GHI, total weight, 1.2ct.

2 Princess Cut Sapphires, 2.3mm, green/blue color.

18K Palladium White Gold.

Ring Size 7

The Silo Ring now part of the Silo Series. Limited Edition.

Please email sarah@sarahmuse.com with questions or to design your very own one-of-a-kind jewel.