Rectangular Sandcast Signet Ring in 9ct Yellow Gold with Tin Inlay

Tin is a soft, silver coloured alloy. It is a metal close to our hearts in Cornwall, having been mined here since the earliest days of civilisation. Saint Piran is the patron saint of tin miners and even our Cornish flag represents the smelting process, with the white tin cross rising out of black ore. It is a lovely pliable material to work with, yet due to its malleable properties we do often recommend inlaying tin within another precious metal for protection during daily wear. Tin develops a wonderful patina when worn, without deteriorating in strength, simply becoming gently marked by the rhythms of your lifestyle.

Tin is also the traditional gift to mark a ten year wedding anniversary - the 'tin anniversary', due to its flexibility and resistance to corrosion. Tin is often said to represent the compromise and understanding of an enduring partnership, one that bends but does not break. 

This gorgeous signet ring was indeed commissioned by our lovely customer to celebrate a decade of marriage. We began with the clean lines and tapered proportions of our Sandcast Rectangular Signet Ring, in 9ct yellow gold to provide a pleasing contrast against the pearly tin. Tin can be inlaid in white metals but the visual difference is far more subtle. We think the finished ring is a beautiful testament to the meaning and sentiment that can be imbued into your jewellery, from the symbolism of the tin inlay to the texture imparted by sand collected from somewhere special.

Our small collection of Tin Commissions speaks to the sentiment held by tin, especially in our beautiful Cornwall. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss your own ideas.