In 1998, when Janis and I were about to get married, she noticed a wonderful jewelry store in Madison Park, Ringworks Studio. It was in a small and simple storefront, but it housed the most exquisite rings you’ve ever seen. We promptly decided to buy both our rings there.
Ever since I’ve been so proud of Joseph Hall’s beautiful handiwork in creating these works of art. That’s my ring in the photo to the left (though my band, unlike in the photo, is rose-gold). It’s called a tantalum ring and he has a fascinating description of how he creates them on his site. Joseph pioneered this style of ringmaking after he graduated with a 1980 Master of Fine Arts degree in metalsmithing from the University of Washington.
Ringworks also believes in being socially responsible in the production of its products:
We support all efforts towards environmental responsibility (see sustainble gold) and social equity of the jewelry trade, such as the newly formed industry group, Council for Responsible Jewellery Practices.
If you’re getting married and looking for a custom made work of art (at reasonable prices considering the values of the materials being used), I strongly urge you to give a visit to their site. The store, alas, is no more. It’s been closed so the owners can devote more time to their environmental interests on Vashon Island where they live. But they’re still in business from Vashon producing these gorgeous works of art. Their phone number is 206 463-7711.
The Madison Park Times ran a story on the store’s closing which also detailed what their future plans were for activities on Vashon Island.
