Sonoran Sunrise Feather Pins

I came across Sonoran Sunrise (sometimes called Sonoran Sunset or chrysocolla cuprite) awhile back and immediately loved it.  After a short time, a design idea came to mind - and I knew exactly what I wanted to make, and for who!

Sonoran Sunrise Feather Pins - natural stone, set in sterling silver

These matching pins are for my parents.  I had the cabochons custom cut for my design, then made the sterling silver settings.  They should get them almost in time for their anniversary.

Double pin backs - much more secure and still easily put on!

The backs are also handmade and feature a double pin back.  This keeps the pins from flipping AND adds security.  I've lost pins before and it makes me so sad every time - I wanted to avoid that feeling for my parents!  I think all my future pins will have the double pin back - I mean, why not?!

Sonoran Sunrise Feather Pins - matched pair for my parents' anniversary!

I wish I could be there when they opened these gifts up, but I'm certain they'll like them.  The colors, the reference to nature, the fact that they traveled to the SW several times together....The pins are matched, but not identical, and not, I think, cutesy.  Perfect!

Thanks for stopping by!
~Hannah

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

Peach Smoothie - a two-sided pendant

There is a little bit of a story behind this cabochon - I found a colorful shard of jasper at a local rock hound's shop (I've been working with her for about a year, now, and get to look through her stock and order custom pieces!).  She couldn't remember what it was (other than jasper) or where it came from, but I decided I didn't care.  I mean, look at these colors!

Peach Smoothie - a 2-sided jasper pendant

The creamy peaches, pink, and lavenders enthralled me.  I asked her to shape it and make it double-sided because I didn't want to cover up any of the stone.  So here is the final result - a lovely pendant that can be worn with either side facing out!

Peach Smoothie - side 2

I picked up another couple mystery shards, too, with awesome patterns and colors.  One is all grays, the other is yellows and maroons.  Each is unique and one will be mine....

Thanks for stopping by!
~Hannah