One of a kind and handmade from solid sterling silver, this garden-inspired pendant celebrates new life. A little leaf, a dew drop, a tiny flower just bloomed; the small elements found in nature are reminders of fresh starts and new beginnings.
Multiple metalsmithing techniques and processes went into creating this unique pendant: a water-cast cup for the flower, real leaves for the leaf imprints, and fused Argentium for the dew drops and frame. Just as I love to slow down and enjoy the little details found in my backyard garden, I design until everything fits together, taking time to refine each detail until it’s just right.
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Water Cast Berry Pendant // One of a Kind
♢ Solid sterling silver, both traditional and argentium sterling silver.
♢ Solid sterling silver (.925 and .935) freshwater pearl, back stamped 925 with my trademarked makers mark.
♢ 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 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 pendant, and it goes 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.
♢ I love gardening -- it is my biggest source of inspiration. I am drawn into all the little details and symbolism literally blooming all around me. Thinking about the garden, I design my jewellery with celebration in mind – knowing it may be used as an expression of love or as a symbol of a fresh start and new season in life. Jewellery, by its very nature, is deeply personal. It has the potential to be transformed into a personal totem or a tiny treasure box full of memories. It's such an honour when my jewellery is used to celebrate moments in others' lives and becomes a reminder of what is good, lovely, and beautiful.
♢ The pendant is large and measures 6.5 cm x 1.7 cm x.6 cm. Please see the photos in hand to get an accurate idea of scale.
♢ Your choice of sterling silver chain in 16”, 18”, or 20" length. Choose from three different styles: snake, satellite, or link. Pictured is the snake chain style.
♢ The jewellery in the photos is the exact jewellery you will receive, it is one of a kind!
♢ Your choice of sterling silver chain in 16” or 18” length. Choose from two different styles: snake, or link. Pictured is the 18" snake chain style on the model.
♢ The jewellery in the photos is the exact jewellery you will receive, it is one of a kind!
♢ Giving as a gift? I send all my jewellery in pretty, cardboard jewellery boxes, wrapped with ribbon and tissue paper, nice enough to give as a gift. (Please note - the velvet box on the first photo is just a photo prop) I always include artist info so the recipient knows the item is handmade from the heart.
♢ This item is all ready made and ready to ship
♢ I securely package all my jewellery in thin cardboard jewellery boxes, placed inside of a padded envelope or larger box for shipping.
♢ Orders include tracking information and insurance.
