Pink/Grey Contemporary ad Geometric Cloisonné Enamel/Sterling Silver Necklace
This pendant is one of two that are quite similar but yet different. Notice how the design lines and textures vary!
This pendant was created utilizing metal smithing as well as cloisonné enameling skills...two techniques I truly love applying to my work! The grey and pink vitreous enamel tones are just gorgeous in this necklace with gradations from light to deep grey and light to a deep vibrant pink. Opalescent white is a beautiful accent and contrast! This palette looks incredible on a variety of colors that are likely to already be in your closet, from black to navy, grey to white or ivory, turquoise and of course pink! It is as equally casual as it is elegant and will be as amazing with jeans and a t-shirt as it will with a dress or evening wear! It is that pop of color that makes an outfit go from ordinary to extraordinary!
This pendant measures 1 1/2" in length and is 7/8" in width.
Textures abound in this one-of-a-kind pendant, with a textured striped design on the sterling silver backplate as well as a lovely contemporary geometric design on the fine silver backdrop to the translucent enamel! The fine silver cloisonné wires complement the patterns in the background, don't they? The entire setting has been oxidized with a soft patina that draws attention to these lovely textures in a subtle way.This pendant is entirely made by hand, by me, in my studio. You will love wearing this necklace…or giving it as a gift...and won't ever see it on anyone else!
Three choices of necklaces are available with this pendant. All choices are lovely! One is an 18" long stainless steel five strand cable necklace with a tension clasp. It has a twist and turn motion for putting it on and off. The second choice is an 18" long box cable chain with a 2" extender on it and a lobster claw clasp. This can be worn at either the 18" length with a 2" piece hanging down nicely, or the full 20" length with the extender in use. The other choice is a sterling silver multi-cable neck wire. In the sterling silver multi-cable neck wire, 15 strands of sterling silver compliment the bright silver tones in the pendant beautifully. This features a secure interlocking clasp. This is available in either a 16 inch or 18 inch length. This neck wire works with this design beautifully and can be easily removed and used with other pendants! You may also choose to use a chain necklace of your own with this pendant for different lengths and looks! A lovely bail on this pendant has the versatility to allow a variety of sizes and type of chains to slide through! You may very well have other chains you will want to swap out with the one you choose, depending upon what you are wearing it with and what type of neckline.
So…how did I make the cloisonné enamel design you see here? Most of my cloisonné designs start with a piece of fine silver sheet metal to which I add a design or texture. From this the shapes that I am planning to use in my design are then cut/sawed out. They are most often then domed in a dapping block or with other forming tools to give them a slight curvature. Next starts the enameling process, with a layer of vitreous enamel on both the front and back. Vitreous enamel is a fine powder-like glass that can be either sifted or “wet-packed” onto the fine silver. It is fired to approximately 1450 degrees in a kiln until it achieves its glossy glass effect. Fine silver wires are then shaped and fired onto the front side of the piece. This can be challenging as the small wires need to stand on their side edge and get imbedded into the enamel to create “cells” which in turn create areas within which to add your colors. Next, the color is slowly added to these various “cells”. Many thin layers of translucent enamel colors are added and blended to achieve lovely color gradations. Between each thin layer is a firing in the kiln before the next layer can be added. Layers are slowly built up to the height of the wires. After the last layer is fired, the top is ground smooth to allow for an overall very level, smooth surface…then back in the kiln again for what is called a “fire polish”. So, the cloisonné piece is done and now my metal smithing skills come into play. I enjoy adding a unique sterling silver setting or “frame” to each of my designs to literally frame them in and have them come to life even more as the focal point of my completed work! There are an incredible amount of hours in each and every piece, but each hour spent was truly a joy for me and a labor of love!
Also, FYI in case you were wondering where the word cloisonné comes from… Cloisonné is actually a French word meaning "enclosed” or “cells”, ie. the fine silver “cells” that are created with the wires, within which all those different colors are placed. An ancient metal-working technique, I enjoy combining it with the modern, contemporary, architectural lines I am drawn to. The end result is a unique piece of jewelry you can be well assured will not be seen on anyone else ever!
