ТЕБЕ, ДЕДУШКА

ТЕБЕ, ДЕДУШКА (To you, Dedushka), pays respect to my grandfather and his legacy. 

After immigrating his family to Tennessee from Moldova, my grandfather became a jeweler, popularizing lost wax casting within the Southeast. He established himself as an integral part of the country music scene in Nashville, making custom, one of a kind works. 

I have always regretted not asking him to teach me his craft when he was still alive, so I learned his methods on my own, as a way to connect with parts of him I never got the chance to.  This ring was cast using the same techniques as he used, inlaid with patterns from Moldovan textiles. This ring was my attempt at connecting with parts of my family’s past, and paying respect to one of the greatest men I have ever known;

To you, Deda.