A New Bracelet Commission

As the end of the year approaches, I've been trying to complete the remaining commissions that are still on my to-do list.  One of those projects is for a friend who's been wanting (and waiting for) a labradorite piece.  So back in the early summer, we came up with a rough bracelet design and picked stones.  I admit the style was different for me, so I knew I'd be working through some technical difficulty and probably the reason I delayed making it. 

So, I started with sketches:

Then I worked up the base of the bracelet in heavy rectangular sterling silver:

I made the fine silver bezels for the labradorite stones:

And then soldered on the 3 bezels, set the stones, and gave the bracelet a nice brushed finish. 

The finished bracelet in 3/4 view to the left:

You can see the simple yet effective hook clasp for easy wear.

3/4 view to the right showing my hallmark on the back band:

  

Back view:

Top view:

And the final shot on my own wrist.  Look at those stones glow!  I think she's going to love it!  (And definitely worth the wait!)

A Couple New Things

I've been working and creating in the studio and have been focused on using stones and beads that I've had in inventory.  Sometimes working with what you have gives enough inspiration to spark new things.  That's what I've found with these two necklaces. 

This design started with the Picasso jasper cabochon and I worked from there.  It's bezeled in fine silver and has a black onyx bead drop.  The pendant has a nice brushed silver face and can be worn on the black spinel beads or can be removed and worn on a silver chain. 

This second necklace design started with the soft triangle pyrite stone--its black motherstone infused with gold flecks of pyrite.  A fine silver bezel is mirrored by sterling silver wire that becomes the bail for the faceted pyrite beaded necklace.  Dropped below is a pyrite nugget that my dad found in Brunswick, Maine.  This pendant can also be removed from the beads and can be worn on a silver chain.

I'm continuing on this road until a new one presents itself.