Sometimes it’s fun to follow your instincts to see where the creative process will lead. This week I played at my bench and created these patchwork, stamped, dangle earrings. They are decidedly casual, a bit funky and the stamp has a linear quality that I love.
I chose a thick, chunky piece of sterling silver for the earring body. This gives the earring a nice heft and weight. The delicate linear details of the stamp are brought out by oxidizing the silver then polishing it. I also stamp the silver with the International quality mark for sterling silver which is 925 and my makers mark, JF.
Pyrite briollets dangle from the earring body. The linear quality of the stamped patchwork design is echoed in the wire wrapping around the semi-precious gem. The briollets have a faceted cut which brings out the metallic luster and pale brass-yellow hue that is typical of pyrite. Light plays over its surface beaurifully. The pyrite is often called “fools gold”. According to Wikipedia, the word pyrite is derived from the Greeks meaning “stone or mineral which strikes fire”
You’ll find these earrings and other pieces of my handmade jewelry at the Brick Craft Fair on September 24th from 10am to 4pm. I hope you’ll stop by and visit the many fine craft vendors that exhibit their wares this event.
If you’d like to see these earrings please click on the link below. You’ll be directed to my Etsy shop.
Oxidized sterling silver and pyrite briolette dangle earrings
Nadine, my studio assistant steals the show!
