♢ Solid sterling silver (.925 and .935) freshwater pearls
♢ The cup shape flower that holds the freshwater pearl is water cast, and the process creates a unique natural form, full of texture. To start, I gather all my sterling silver I plan on using and melt it down to over 1700℉. When the silver is nice and liquid I carefully pour it into water. As the molten metal hits the surface it sizzles and freezes in place, capturing the splash frozen in time. I love this because each cup is totally unique, outside of my control and I don’t know what kind of shape will emerge!
♢ The two little leaves on each earrings were created using metal clay, which is made up of tiny recycled sterling silver particles mixed with an organic, clay-like binder. It can be sculpted, molded, and formed however I want. For this design, I pressed two real little leaves into the clay to make an imprint. Once the design is completely dry, it goes into my kiln for a two part firing process. The clay reaches 1500℉ for about an hour, during which the organic binder burns away, leaving behind solid sterling silver.
♢ Argentium silver is a cleaner type of silver – both for me and the environment. It has a slightly higher fine silver content then traditional silver (93.5% compared to sterling’s 92.5%.) Made from recycled traditional silver it is a great choice both ethically and environmentally. Alloyed with hypo allergenic germanium it fuses beautifully and is fun to work with! Argentium silver allows me to work safer in the studio, by eliminating toxic flux and pickle fumes. I love working with Argentium silver and I am excited to present to you a silver that is cleaner and of a higher quality then traditional sterling silver.
♢ Each element is combined and soldered in place to create a one of a kind (literally!) unique piece.
♢ I apply a dark patina to the recessed areas of the earrings, and they go into my tumbler with steel shot to harden and polish the surface. The high points are polished to a bright shine, creating a beautiful contrast. This contrast between dark and light is what sterling silver is famous for!
♢ The pearl is half drilled and sits on a post inside the cup, it is secured in place using jewellers epoxy.
♢ The process of creating is slow and intentional, I use traditional metalsmithing tools and processes alongside modern ones to create all my pieces by hand. My heart goes into every single piece I design.
