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Free Form and Architectural Jewelry

Posted March 11, 2015 

In the last few weeks I have been working on some special wax carving projects. I usually fabricate most of my jewelry from sheet, wire and various metal stock but sometimes a project calls for unusual curves or shapes so I carve a wax model to be cast in silver or gold.

I just carved a setting for the pear shaped citrine pictured above. This stone is a large gem and I wanted to have some interesting cut-away areas to allow for light to pass through the setting and brighten the stone. Faceted stones need a “seat” to sit on inside of a setting, you can see that I carved out a step down for the stone to be able to sit evenly all around. I will be adding a bail to the top of the drop so that this can be worn as a pendant.

Another project I am working on is developing a fun line of stacking rings in various textures. I’m enjoying working with geometric and repeating patterns. I will be offering these in both silver and gold in a range of sizes.

And pictured above is a one-of-a-kind wax carving for a large flat stone. My customer desires a signet style ring and I will be adding Masonic symbols that he has chosen as well as carving words on the inside of the band.

Carving waxes taps into a free-form sculptural style. Fabrication with metal is also sculptural but more architectural in its approach, building blocks put together with connecting angles.

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Handmade Findings

Written September 24, 2013

To customize the jewelry that I make, I usually handmake the “findings”. Findings are what jewelers call clasps, ear wires, pin backs, etc. Basically the hardware of the piece of jewelry. Most of my beaded necklaces and some of my silver chains have a simple sterling silver hook and loop. I like these because they are unusual while being secure.

Pictured here are the hook and loop clasps on some recent Autumn themed necklaces that I made.