“A Sprinkle of Wisdom” is a traditional poison ring crafted from sterling silver and copper, featuring one of the artist’s wisdom teeth alongside two mother-of-pearls. Fit with an internal chamber colored to match the tooth, this ring is intended to be filled with sugar which can be sprinkled over food or drinks. The contrast between the human tooth and the sweetness of the sugar creates a striking tension—eerie and unsettling, yet captivating in its appearance and functionality.
Each component of this ring is fabricated and assembled by hand. Combines different types of metal, enameling, and stone setting.
Originally assembled in Spring 2024 as a final project for Art 349 Fabrication Techniques at Cal Poly Humboldt, this ring was put on hold in its construction due to the shutdown of the university in response to nationwide protests. This ring was revisited in Spring 2025 for submission to the 2025 Battle of the Rings hosted by Danaca Design Gallery in Seattle, WA. It was accepted into the competition as a part of Team Shanks. As of April 7, it is available for purchase through the gallery, and on April 15, it was voted out during the first round of voting.
A Sprinkle of Wisdom | Sterling silver, copper, enamel, human tooth, mother of pearls | 20 x 37 mm | 2025
A Sprinkle of Wisdom | Opened cap, view of internal enameled chamber
A Sprinkle of Wisdom | Worn on the ring finger, size 7
Process Images
Construction planning
Initial design had 6 copper teeth inlayed into the silver. This failed and had to be recreated without the inlay. Very sad. Atlas was crying and had to leave the studio for the day.
Inner ring band soldered together
Checking to see if the inner chamber fit into the opening of the silver dogbone ring. It did, first try!
Enameled inner chamber
Enameled inner chamber
Cap soldered together
Planning of the mother of pearls and wisdom tooth layout
Tooth and mother of pearls tube-sets on the cap
Because Atlas rushed certain steps in the fabrication process, additional outer bands had to be sweat soldered, hammered, and filed to reenforce the construction of the ring.
Hammered outer band and clasp view
Soldered tooth bezel onto the cap with drilled holes for moisture control
Set tooth and mother of pearls
Finished assembly of the ring, view 1, before patina.
Finished assembly of the ring, view 2, before patina. Look at that mirror finish! Could take a selfie with this ring.