Equipoise (Noun): Balance of forces or interests.

I’ve always been fascinated by the oxidisation colours of silver, but for a long time they’ve remained nothing more than a transient stage to the end goal of blackening the piece. They usually last for maybe a few minutes, and if the metal is hot just a few seconds. I created Equipoise in search of balance, to attempt to linger within the thin chemical line of coloured oxidisation patterns. The piece is coloured with the natural blues, oranges and golds of sulphuric oxidisation, and textured with a pattern of extrusions reminiscent of koi fish scales. Due to the random nature of oxidisation, each piece is uniquely coloured. 

Koi fish, especially when paired (like in the Urban Sterling logo), represent the balance of opposing life forces. Similarly to the Yin and Yang, this element of the design links to the overarching theme of balance. Let this piece remind you that liminal and transient stages should be appreciated not despite of but because of their impermanent nature.

Made to Order:

Do you really want a ring off some dusty shelf in a stock cupboard? I know I don’t. That’s why I ensure all Urban Sterling products are made to order, just for you. Here’s how I run things: when I see that you’ve just placed an order, I immediately notify my casting house in Sydney so they can get your ring started ASAP. Within a week the raw-cast will arrive at my studio, where I’ll start work on it. After I cut, sand, buff, emery, polish, and clean it by hand, it gets placed into a box with your order number in it. I pack the documentation for the piece into an envelope, sign the certificate of authenticity, and wax seal it shut. Then it goes from my studio straight to your home (or nearby post office knowing AusPost). My jewellery is made to reflect your personality and go with you everywhere, so it just wouldn’t feel right keeping it in a plastic bag in a dark cupboard.

Ethical Practices:

All US Co. rings are made from 100% sustainably sourced precious metals. I personally guarantee the Argentium silver I use does not cause, support or benefit unlawful conflict, or contribute to human rights abuses or breaches of international law. You can read more about Urban Sterling ethical practices here. As well as on the Argentium website here.

Sizing:

I produce rings using US sizing because it just makes more sense. Please make sure you have the correct size since it is very difficult to resize a ring like this due to the lip around the edge, which can be warped during resizing. I’ve provided some sizing charts here for your convenience. Also note you can order using “Buy now, size later” and I’ll express post you a ring sizer free of charge! Usually this sizer will arrive the next business day. After you’ve found your perfect size, simply DM me on Instagram or send me an email (contact@urbansterling.co) and I’ll get it immediately into production.

Lifetime Warranty:

Every Urban Sterling ring is covered by my lifetime warranty guarantee. Your piece will be free from scratches, chips, tarnish, poor finishing, manufacturing faults and breaks, in other words it’ll be perfect. Note that some of my rings may have very slight distressing incorporated into the design, as is typical for handmade products. I personally make every ring by hand and check them thoroughly so it’s unlikely you’ll ever need this warranty, but it’s there for your peace of mind. Also! If you manage to scratch / chip the ring yourself, I offer a free restoration service in-house.

After your order is placed expect to wait around 1-2 weeks for your Equipoise to arrive as all Urban Sterling products are handcrafted and made to order. The ring you receive will be polished 935 Argentium Silver.

The large jump between prices for a size 11 and 11.5 is due to 11.5+ not being in the size range for the original mould. Instead of making these sizes unavailable, I’ve decided to custom make them on request for a higher price to reflect the more difficult production process.  Keep in mind that if you order with the “Buy now, size later.” feature and you find your size is larger than an 11, you’ll need to pay the extra $35 for the custom made version. I’ll give you a free engraving inside for the trouble though!