Silver Pendants featuring Natural Stones

A fun, summery streak of handmade pendants!  Each cabochon featured here was made by a local cabber and then set by me.  The amazonite and lapis were made specifically at my request - normally I design around an already made cabochon, but I could get maybe get used to designing and then having the cabs made....

Beryllium opal in a handmade sterling silver setting.

Kambaba jasper in a handmade sterling silver setting.

I think the beryllium opal cabochon looks like a lovely sunset with the purples, pinks, and oranges in perfect layers across its surface.  The kambaba jasper reminds my husband of Starry Night by Van Gogh - I can see that a bit too.  I had several cabs made from the amazonite rough - it was too lovely to pass up!  This one is in a more art deco/geometrical design, while the lapis is set in a more whimsical setting with a rainbow of color play in the texture from a patina.  

Amazonite in a handmade sterling silver setting.

Lapis lazuli in a handmade sterling silver setting with patina.

Lots of summer fun!  More on the way, including a couple pins.  I have some really lovely stones that I look forward to designing around!

Thanks for stopping by,
Hannah

Setting Stones in Filigree Pendants

I keep going back to filigree - I love the organic, free flowing lines!  This pair of pendants have "mystery" cabochons set in them. 

Poppies Pendant - red jasper with filigree "petals" in sterling silver.

Thermal Pendant - sterling silver; reminds me of Yellowstone's hot springs!

One is a red jasper, the other a true mystery.  I purchased these cabochons years and years ago - I don't think I knew enough at the time to ask what these lovelies were!  Nonetheless, they make pretty pendants.

Enjoy!
Hannah

Viking Knit Pendant in Copper

I'm really enjoying working with the viking knit weave - I set an odd-shaped stone with copper wire the other day.  It looks round, but the surface is actually wavy which made setting it interesting to weave around!  I'm not sure what type of rock it is, but it's very smooth and mostly a mauve color, undyed (natural).  I asked when I bought it, but the lady wasn't sure.

The wire frame (heavy gauge wire) looks out-of-round because of the wavy surface of the stone.  It was actually a large focal bead, but I'm liking it better treated as a cabochon....  I haven't yet decided if I'll make a chain for it or not.  Currently it is being used as a sample for my students' perusal.

Happy Creating,
PZ

Chrysocolla Pendant

At the local Rock and Mineral Show, I met a local rock hound.  He goes all over Idaho and the western states finding his own rocks, which he then slabs, cuts into cabs, and polishes.  He does beautiful work, and best of all, he'll except custom orders!

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Cabochon with Czech Glass Beads

I have ordered several cabs from him, but every time I go I pick out from his stash of already made cabs, too.  I just can't help myself!  This cabochon, a chrysocolla, is related to turquoise but is naturally more stable.  I don't recall if he mined it in Idaho or not, but he does have a lot of it!

Chrysocolla Cabochon - wire wrapped in sterling silver with beads

This is my first setting of this sort, woven wire and beads.  All the wire is sterling silver.  I'm still debating on whether or not I should make my chain, or buy a sterling silver chain for it.  It's a lot of work to make a chain, but it also brings out the handmade uniqueness of the piece.

I'm not sure what next week will bring - hopefully another post!

Happy Creating,
PZ

More Metals - Yes Please!

I was busy this weekend and it felt great!  I finished a bracelet for my husband, a bracelet for a friend, and a pendant for a customer!  All work was in metals and I loved it - I miss working with metal and am happy to be getting back into it.

Viking Braid Bracelet - 3 strands of viking knit, forged clasp

First up - the bracelet for my husband!  This was a tester piece, and I say it is a success!  He loves it, says it fits him the best of all the bracelets I've made for him, and it's been quite a few....Now available in my etsy shop; made with copper, sterling silver wire, and yellow gold filled wire (I'm also offering to use rose/pink gold filled wire instead of copper).  My husband's has a handmade copper clasp, but the ones in my shop will have sterling silver.  All handmade and all metal and fabulous!

Dragonfly Cuff - roller printed, stamped, hammered

Next is a bracelet for one of my very best friends - and I hope it has arrived on her doorstep by now!  Roller printed and stamped copper cuff, featuring one of her favorite creatures, the dragonfly.  A lot of detail is lost in the photos - the copper glows and the scene is more obvious in person.  Cattails, water, a sliver moon, and lots of dragonflies!

Goldstone Pendant - hammered sterling silver, goldstone nugget (shown on viking knit chain)

Finally I'm showing off a pendant.  It's not my usual style, but I love how it turned out!  Goldstone nugget wrapped in sterling silver wire.  What I really love is the hammered wire on the bottom half of the briolette wrap!  It was tricky to work with, but I think the end result was worth it.  The hammering adds interest, texture, and a stronger nature vibe with the goldstone nugget.  I think I'll have to try it again, maybe with an actual briolette!

Happy Creating,
PZ

Embellished Filigree: A Showcase of Artists

After working a little with filigree for my last earrings, I was curious what other jewelry artists had done with filigree.  There are many wonderful layered designs out there, but the ones that really grabbed my interest were the ones that used beads to embellish the filigree.  Maybe it's because I love my beads and beadweaving techniques - and bead embellished filigree melds the two worlds nicely for me.  A bridge, perhaps, for me to cross in the future....

Here are some of the lovely designs and jewelry artists I found on Etsy:

Embellished Filigree Earrings by balanced on Etsy

 Embellished Filigree Ring by TyssHandmadeJewelry on Etsy

 

Embellished Filigree Pendant by NellyAnnaAccessories on Etsy

 Embellished Filigree Necklace by VentureBeads on Etsy

 

Embellished Filigree Brooch by TealEves on Etsy

And if you think bead embellishment is new, think again!  It's a revival from the past - here's just one example from the 1930s, possibly by Miriam Haskell, also available on Etsy:

Antique Embellished Filigree Bracelet - sold by GradyLadies on Etsy

There are many more embellished filigree designs out there, on Etsy and in other shops, both handmade and commercial.  I know I'm inspired, are you?

Happy Creating!
PZ