Sunday, January 29, 2012

Rock Charm

 This was another customer request.  The customer wanted her beautiful blue rock set in a simple setting, to be worn on a chain as a pendant. This was a very difficult task. The rock was not uniform and did not have a perfectly flat side. Normally, a stone like this would be put in a "cage", but the customer wanted something simpler.

So, I went about setting it like a cabochon......a stone that is cut flat on one side. I had to cut out the sterling backing to make the stone settle into one position. Then I soldered a heavy silver bezel into place to capture the stone.

Charms


These items are a result of a one on one consultation with a special woman.

Top left........little bicycle wheels hand made by fusing argentium. Stone is a coin shaped lava rock. Result is small earrings and matching necklace charm.

Right.........repurposed sterling silver spoon. Center of spoon was cut out to leave room to dangle delicious little faceted rondelle aquamarine and sterling beads. A very special necklace charm!



A Touch of the Pirate!!!

This is a drool worthy coin! It is an authentic "Piece of 8"

 Check out the date on this beauty!!

I felt so honoured and at the same time, apprehensive, about doing this piece of history justice. In the end, I was pleased with the result, as was the customer.........which is most important. The polished bronze shines like gold, while the solid silver coin has a patina that is an integral part of the history, and only enhances it's beauty.

Thank you so much, Mrs. Customer, for trusting me with your amazing coin!

Set a Toonie

Why? you might ask......well, a customer came to me with a request to set a special coin for her. So I set about the task and this is the test piece. My first claw setting! Because the coin is large and heavy, the setting is a thick piece of bronze with four thick claws. The claws were soldered into holes drilled into the base to give them the strength necessary to embrace the coin. The customer wanted the edge of the coin to be visible as it had a beautiful design stamped into it. Then I hand made a bail befitting the setting, allowing for a large chain or rope of the customer's choosing to complete the look.             
                                                          

This is my toonie set in bronze! I am really pleased with the result.
So much so that I have decided to sell this piece. It is a very stunning pendant with the bronze shining like gold.

Price $35.00 CDN includes gst but not
shipping.