Obtaining gold for jewelry making is not as simple as digging it out of the earth.
Many tons of gold-bearing rocks must be pulverized and mixed with water to create a slurry.
The slurry is then separated in heated toxic baths of arsenic, cyanide and a few other ingredients, so the gold can separate.
The gold is not pure yet. It is heated in large furnace kettles. Impurities sink and the pure gold is poured off.
The toxic molten remains {known as slag} are then dumped into open pits to cool and be buried. Slag poisons the water supply and surrounding soil.
My choice is to use recycled gold. So when you wear my pieces you wear gold that gives you peace of mind as well as a piece of art!
18k ECO Gold, Petite White South Sea Pearls, White Freshwater Button Pearls, .40ct Black Diamonds
18k ECO Gold, White Freshwater Pearls, 4+ carats Neon Blue Apatite {treated}
Based on the Story of how Persephone was tricked into becoming the Benevolent Queen of the Afterlife. The Red spinels represent the pomegranet seeds used in the plot to detain her and the white topaz briolettes are the tears shed by Persphone and her mother Demeter
Here you can see more of the detail of the hammering and how it roughens as Persophone descends to her Throne.
A continuation of the Persephone myth, Persphone is allowed to return to her waiting mother, the Goddess Demeter. The celebration of life and renweal is heralded my Demeter's gift of Spring. This is only a temporary arrangement as she must descend for 3 months out of every year and regin beside Hades her captor husband.
In this shot you can see the stunning blue of the Apatites and Kyanite beads.
Argentium is finally getting worldwide recognition for it's superiority to traditional Sterling Silver.
Argentium Sterling and Traditional Sterling are both Silver Alloys {mixtures}. Sterling contains 92.5% silver, alloyed w/ Copper or any other metal. Argentium can contain a range of 93% to 97% silver, alloyed w/ Germanium replacing the reactive copper.
The benefits of this trademarked alloy are many. For instance, without copper {a known irritant}, it is hypo-allergenic.
It also resists tarnishing, mellowing rather than blackening. This means no need for harsh polishing chemicals. Just wipe with a micofiber cloth to shine.
During manufacturing of jewelry you also have the options of fusing the pieces together rather than using solder, which also cuts down on chemical use in the production.
I use 93% silver content {.930} exclusively when dealing with Argentium. I have sensitive skin like many of my customers, and prefer working with materials that are as close to nature as possible.
Just like the ECO Gold Collection, this silver is made with recycled silver. Together we can change the way we treat each other and the planet we live on. We don't need to poison one another for beauty sake.
A true blushing pink this unheated Kunzite cabochon is spectacular! I love the feminine grace it gives the wearers hand.
Inda is prized for so many things including their moonstones. It wasn't until I came across this stone that I fell inlove with true quality moonstones. The standard shpould always be set high, because when you look through this pool of water and have the rainbow blue flashing back at you it is spellbinding!
AAA Moonstones are rare and worth the money, this blue flash comes from a water clear faceted rainbow moonstone. It's a completeley different looking stone when the light hits the refraction plane!
This is a stunning 4ct Flawless Rainbow Moonstone Argentium Ring in size 6.5. this water clear jellybean will bring a bit of happiness to you everytime you look at it!
Wow! that is what you'll get! This 6.5ct Checkerboard cut Clear Quartz (the natural stone not glass) is so stunning! It could only be set in a sizeable cocktail ring!
Simplicity, Tranquillity, Reflection and Meditation All found in the swirling of water. I love to capture the rippling effect of this ring in the light. I've had this ring requested several times for wedding bands. (it can also be made in 18k, 22k gold call for a quote)
3.5ct Rainbow Moonstone set in a classic Hamsa with repousse details.
The perfect compliment to any woman and to my Ariel's Song necklace.
Bridal lux! Hand forged Argentium frames are wire wrapped with saltwater seed pearls, microfacted white topaz and huge harlequin-cut clear quartz gemstones.
15.3ct of VS Fair Trade, Ethically Sourced Kenyan Rhodolite Garnet Rough Gemstones are set in a Reversible Bezel setting wich has a floral cut out in on one side to let the light shine through these amazing fine wine colored gems!
Here you can see the Bohemian classic design pierced and sawn into the back of the setting allowing the versatility of subtle light glowing through the stone or a surprise from behind!!
The story of Spring is often celebrated as a return of Persphone to her mother the Goddess Demeter. Here the spring rains are captured Neon Blue {treated} Apatites.
ECO Argentium Silver {.970}, 4 tcw Neon Blue Apatite {treated}, 4+ tcw Tanzanite, 2 tcw Peridot, 3 tcw White Topaz {heated}, Venetian Blue Goldstone
I love the nautical twist - if you'll pardon the pun - in this Persephone set.
Just like in my 18k version this is a design representing that story of Persephone as the descends to her throne as the Queen of the Afterlife. Red Spinels represent the pomegranate seeds used in the ploy to detain her by Hades. White topaz briolettes symbolize her tears as well as the tears of her mother the Goddess Demeter.
Here the aspect of Persephone the Bride of Hades Godking of the Afterlife is represented. She is not so unwilling to be a Benevolent Queen to Hades subjects and provides the sweet hereafter with it's greatest asset, peace.
Satin Finish ECO Argentium Silver {recycled silver .995}, Naturally Peach Hued Freshwater Pearls, 2pts River White Diamond Beads
Opera length drama that can be worn with jeans or your black tie gown.
40cts of Green Amethyst capture the essence of spring in these earrings.
Simple timeless hoops in Argentium Silver
Throughout the centuries gold and silver have been made into wire. Even the links of traditional chains are first made from wire. When coiled, wound or woven the wire becomes a malliable element which can then be applied in a myriad of ways.
The technique I use is often called the "Viking Knit" due to the frequency of occurance in Scandinavian Hoards excavated throughout Europe. There are examples of this knit silver in many ancient civiliations.
Sometimes the weave can be confused with the "Loop-in-Loop" technique widely used by Roman artistans. The end result of compressed pieces are so similar that, without destroying the piece, it is practically impossible to tell them apart. However, when the weave is left open, the difference is quite evident!
Each of my woven pieces are made using traditional wooden tools and my hands. I weave and compress each piece between two wooden boards.
The compression process hardens the silver/gold so that it can withstand a great deal of wear! Even the delicate chains are still strong enough for daily abuse.
Mythos 5 contains 50ft of Fine Silver wire woven with 5 nodes allowing for a standard diamameter chain.
Here you can see the compressed weave, much different from the open weave it starts as.
In mythos 4 the same length of 50ft is ussed but with fewer nodes, producing a longer thinner chain than the Mythos 5.
This bracelet is designed to be thick enough for either men or women, while not drawing too much attention. A versitile piece that every wardrobe should have.
Here I is my most recent Clothos bracelet. Intended for a larger wrist I have increased the diameter and lenght of the chain. The large clasp and thickness of the chain draws attention to your wrist. You will definitely be noticed.
Here you can see the great width of the chain.
Here you can see a compairison of the varrying widths of chain.
If you would like a thicker or thinner chain or a chain that is left open weave (as shown in the picture slider above) contact me and we will design something just right for you.
I love a good double entendre! Here my desire to be more responsible with the gifts we've been given on Earth has allowed these fanciful creations to grow.
Fashioned from all of the scraps and bits of precious metals from my workbench {each collected and kept separate for purity purposes} they are melted into ingots. I then forge the branches to the shape that I envision. After many hours of work hardening the almost pure silver {.995 Fine Silver} has now become a sturdy base for my engraving and granulation.
As I mentioned above, my passion for double meanings or purposes led me to create these pieces with enough Antique French Silk Braided Cording to make a necklace, choker, bracelet, anklet, diadem or whatever other fantastic idea you can come up with.
This necklace is so versatile. The cord is an Antique French Silk Soutache trim in a deep Navy Blue. there is enough length to make this a necklace, headband, bracelet or armlet.
In this shot you can see the hand engraved faux bois texture.
Truly a great open design that you can make your own!
Two little birds have begun a life together, burried in the nest are two 18k golden eggs.
Each of these pieces are unique no two an possibly be exactly like the other, I do not cast or use molds. They take on the shape they want.
This was such a fun piece to make. If you have a nest idea you'd like customized for you, just let me know.
Here is a great statement ring the faux bois texture of the recycled silver ingot and the bamboo like design of the satin band compliment each other so well.
Here you can see the satin finish on the band, and the open nature of the band. This allows it to be adjusted easily to the wearer.
Here you can see the set together and how well the mesh.
This is my all-time favorite Jewelry Arts technique! The hammer and chisel creating form and definition. Here are my pieces inspired by all the amazing Angels depicted in stained glass windows around the world.
Angelico is made from ECO Fine Silver and embellished with a 1+ ct Fair-Trade Ruby from Afghanistan {purchased by my brother while serving a tour of duty there}, and a White South Sea Baroque Pearl that measures an impressive 18mm long.
Flip the pendant over and you can see the hand engraved surface detailing the feathers.
This stunning piece measures 4 inches long and is sure to be the conversation piece of your attire!
Next is the Gabriel pendant. It is similar to Angelico but with a touch more brilliance. I've changed the design by setting a 1 ct Afghan Emerald {from the same trader as the ruby above} and suspending a sparkeling pear-faceted Green Amytest.
The Last photos are of the Cheribum earrings. They are fashioned in a classic Etruscan Revival form. Each earring has 10 Freshwater Pearls that add to the feminine allure.
I love hidden gifts, secret meanings and stories that lead you beyond the surface.
The art of gilding has always held a special place in my heart! These beautiful boxes sing out make a surprise of me.
The simple exterior hides the silver leaf burnished to a mirror shine that flashes as you open the lid!
Elegant and classic it can go with any decor once the gift has been given. If you have customizations or placing a large order please contact me for special pricing.
Detail of inside of lid
Detail of Inside of lid and Underside of box
Detail of box with lid on
Detail of inside of box and top of lid
Detail of inside of box and underside of lid
