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History
Surrey,
Canada
October 2005
M&M: You know we could do that whole Claire's ring
better than the last attempt!
JaniceM: Should we try? I'm meeting up with Diana when I go
to Phoenix in the spring, I could ask her in person.
That's basically how it started.
The
rings were attempted back in 2000 by someone else with not verra
good results. The whole first ring project was a nightmare for the
lass that headed it, and the lasses that were buying a ring. In that
spring of 2006 Janice met up with Diana Gabaldon to ask if we could
attempt to have the rings made again. We really just wanted one for
ourselves, but knew we would have to share! :-)
The
first attempt at Claire's ring.
Diana, being the verra generous soul she is, gave her permission for
us to give it a try. M&M searched out jewelers that were willing
to work with us and could handle the delicate interlace pattern.
Although it looks huge on the sketch, the pattern is very small and
intricate.
Claire's
Ring sketch from "The Outlandish Companion"
deSignet
was the wonderful jeweler that was up to the task, and the sketch
was sent. Ring molds are pricey! One mold can only be half sized up
or down. and that is why there is a sizing bar on the back of the
ring.
Bob Kopf the graphic designer at deSignet sent us the pattern they
would use and what the sizing bar would look like.
We
ask 50 friends from some of Diana Gabaldon's fan sites for a
non-refundable deposit for a ring, we used this money to pay for the
ring mold and sample ring. In exchange they were given the first
chance to order. In 4 weeks we received our first sample ring.
For Gabaldon fans it was a wonderful bit of fiction brought to life.
After
we received the sample ring we opened up ordering to Diana
Gabaldon's fans. We put messages on two fan sites to join a special
Yahoo Group to purchase the ring, and in five days had over 300 fans
that wanted to order and had to close the group to further members.
We turned away quite a number of fans because we couldn't accept any
more names without it being overwhelming. M&M took orders
and collected, and Janice sent out rings to the overseas
buyers. (We dinna do this anymore thankfully, it's all done by
the jewelers.
In
addition to the cost of the ring, we added a small addition amount
to purchase gift rings for Diana and her daughters. We ended up
selling more rings than planned (lot's bought 2) and had a bit of
extra money left over. So we decided to buy Diana's whole family
gifts. Diana received a white gold Claire's Ring, her two daughters
received silver, her husband Doug was given a beautiful kilt pin,
and her son was given a Celtic dragon key chain, all custom made by
deSignet just for them. We did not have enough money to buy all of
Diana's pets a gift. *g*
click on picture to make larger
Janice
and I did this as a project of love for the Outlander Series,
and wanted no profit from the rings. We still had a bit of money
left over so we decided to purchase and raffle off three Claire's
Rings. We collected over $1,100.00 for the Arizona
Literacy & Learning Center, based out of Diana's home state.
Below is a picture of Diana picking out the raffle winners at the
Surrey Writers Conference in October 2006. 3 Lucky Winners were
chosen to receive a free ring, also 10 more names were picked for a
chance to order a ring and an autographed bookmark.
Another
thing happened at the Surrey Writer's Conference, Janice and I
pulled Diana aside and asked if we could repeat the project in 2007
with some changes to save our sanity, and Diana said
"Yes."
Janice and I would to
thank everyone for their wonderful support and kindness during this
Claire's Ring adventure, and most of all we like to thank Diana, for
making it all happen in the first place!
JaniceM
and M&M
I updated the
Claire's Ring website in February of 2012, and there have been over
3000 Claire's Rings sold! The rings have been used for wedding
bands by countless couples, and shipped as far off as Israel!
I'm still in contact with the jeweler as I work for them now.
In 2009, I was giving
the opportunity by deSignet, with permission from Diana, to make more
jewelry from the Outlander Series and The Author's Attic was
born. The Running Stag brooch and Brianna's Bracelet are now
no longer fiction. I've created a whole line of Outlandish jewelry and pieces based on other authors also.
Please visit!
The Author's Attic
Thanks!
Michelle (M&M)
clairesringorders@yahoo.com
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