Titanium Ring with Pink Sapphire

Artist’s Statement
Titanium Series
These rings represent my current line of work.  My extensive use of titanium in the body jewellery/piercing industry has given me the knowledge and experience I needed to apply the material to non-invasive jewelry.  Each ring is handmade with care and is designed for the stone that it holds.  These rings cannot be sized due to the materials used and the setting type.  All of my rings are made with 6AL4V implant grade titanium.  This material has excellent corrosion resistance and does not tarnish, as well the hardness of the material and its tensile strength make it ideal for tension setting.  This combination of hardness, tensile strength, and resilient finish make these rings not only beautiful but practical.

Biography
Chris Gillrie is a recent graduate from the Alberta College of Art and Design obtaining his BFA in the Jewellery/Metals program.  For the past 3 years Chris has been involved in the body jewellery/piercing industry which has given him the opportunity to gain experience in less familiar materials such as 3161vm Surgical Steel, Niobium, and Titanium.  The combination of these two influences has given rise to a unique series of Titanium jewellery.