Process
Each piece of jewelry is carefully crafted from the first to final step. Every one is slightly different and unique, made to last for ages, capturing the complex and graceful forms of nature. Explore my studio and the process of my creative journey.
1
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I begin by cutting a plain sterling silver sheet into strips using a shear. I give each strip a texture either with a hammer or a rolling mill to press various materials into the metal. I think it is remarkable that fabric and paper can imprint into metal!
2
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Using the Rightway Press (aka “cruncher”) and custom-made steel blanking dies, I cut the leaf and flower shapes from the textured strips. The dies are designed to get as many shapes cut from one strip as possible.
3
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The edges of each silver shape must be polished smooth using sanding disks attached to the handpiece of my flex shaft. Then I form the shapes using a dapping set, which perfectly makes that gentle curve. Depending on how the final piece of jewelry is constructed, some shapes require a hole drilled with a very small bit.
4
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The fabrication process varies for each jewelry design. The Falling Leaves are composed of multiple pieces, put together with tiny rings to create kinetic, graceful forms. The Blossoms are soldered together in pairs, capturing a look of layered petals. Some Ginkgo Shell designs are assembled into a lovely, lightweight cascading pattern. Pieces are composed of a variety of finishes: oxidized silver, bright polished silver, 18-karat gold vermeil, or rose gold vermeil.
