Found object

I had found this gorgeous piece of metal in the scrap bin in the studio, so naturally, I captured it. This semester, one of our assignments was to make a piece with a found object in it, which is something that really interests me. I am attracted to the idea of making jewelry with unusual object other than stones and pearls, etc.

I am still not totally sure of what metals this piece contains but I am still extremely attracted to it. I made a frame and bands to turn this beauty into a ring. Organic shape but left with a satin finish. Kind of a weird one but I like strange things! Metal upon metal with many colors for contrast. 

Good Vs. Evil

My pendant that involved a ram's horn vs. an angels wing reflects my theme from this semester: Good vs. Evil.
A technique called Chasing and Repoussé allows for one to achieve many shapes in sheet metal.

This photo is a progress shot but I was probably nearing 90% complete at this point. Group discussion later confirmed I was not done yet because the pendant is too heavy for the chain, which I agree with. 

One thing I learned about while creating chain was that it must reflect the pendant and if it doesn't, the balance can be off which causes the viewer to be interrupted from the design. 

So remember, the chain and the pendant are as one, so create them in unity!

Sterling Silver Locket with Cabochon

Final photos of the locket, unfortunately they're not professional pictures, however the details are still visible. The chain is mixed metal (Sterling silver & Copper), I chose copper to work with the sterling because the rosy pink/orange color of the copper reflects the same color in the Agate cabochon.

The chain is, in fact, very comfortable and I would like to experiment with it some more. I like that it has a lot of movement, its visibly pleasing as well as cold connecting, meaning it did not require heat (except to ball the ends of each wire). This piece is alive, and I enjoy that because the main shape on the pendant is an angels wing.

Progress shot!! Volume II

Here is another progress shot from my Sterling Silver locket..

I trimmed the edges to reflect the shape of the soldered pieces. I added piercings which will soon be decorative shapes on this locket. The chain I plan on making out of cold connections using classic techniques of piercing and forging.
This project is all about mechanisms therefore I will focus on it, In the mean time I will make a lid, set the stone and make the chain. I have been having fun making chains, once you realize all of the possibilities it can end up being very exciting.

Progress Shot!

Here is a progress photograph of a locket I was working on. It is a smaller piece and I chose to use 22 gauge sterling silver. I enjoyed crafting this piece because it is complicated and functional. It will have a rivet which will hold the lid onto the box chamber but you cannot see that yet in this photo.

I really like the detail in this photo because it was fresh out of the pickle and some of the cleaned oxidation looks like patina. The blue and black will not remain, seeing as there is a lot more to do to this piece and also a lot of clean up at the end.

I always say order of process is really important because if you plan correctly in the beginning than you will have less to do & learn in the end. I was especially happy to make a bezel and eventually set a stone because I had had agate for a different piece but did not end up using it, so I put it on this locket. 

Professional photography

Professional photography is crucial. It could possibly be the factor that determines if you've got a job or not. If the photos of your work aren't taken seriously then you won't be taken seriously! Plus, when its photographed correctly it can do a lot for your pieces by making them look good.

These images required a high quality digital camera, proper lighting, a light diffuser and photo paper. Often two people working together is the most beneficial option because of all the equipment being used.