Wednesday, August 5, 2009

New Necklace Antique Faux-tique


Ornate icons with figures and shiny surfaces, glittering decorations and rough gemstone, make me want to make a wearable piece with this design spirit.

Last Sunday I sat down with a tray full of elements I had made, and tried to come up with a finished jewelry necklace, with this sort of antique, rough but beautiful feeling. I made this Madre Medallion necklace.


The elements included a length of chain I made from highly patinaed fused silver links. This is some of the fine silver wire I got from Rio Grande.

A madre figure element cast from pewter with rough edges and a bronze-copper patina.


A hand cast pewter connector piece with five loops, that could be used for chain and dangles, or a two-strand choker style necklace, very ornate and flowery.


Added to that were some faceted glass beads and briolette shaped shiny crystal-looking beads. And large freshwater pearls with decorated beadcaps and lots of wire wrapping in gunmetal wire.


The fastener is a style I remember from some of my grandmother's jewelry, with an antique bronzed brass color. The kind with the u-shaped insert that slides inside the oval shaped holder and clicks shut.


I really love the way this turned out. I'm very slow when it comes to making finished jewelry, I spend most of my creative studio time making the components so others can create jewelry.

I'm putting together some ideas and pieces for the end of the year holiday season, for a proposed publication project.


This necklace may be just be the first one of those. But it doesn't look too holiday specific, I plan to test-wear it a lot right now. After all, I have to make sure it works okay by wearing it myself, don't I?

7 comments:

Judy said...

I love it..it is like a rosary. I always test wear too....you almost have to on some pieces.Have a great day!

sharon said...

Absolutely stunning Lynn!

TesoriTrovati said...

THat is so very beautiful. That is the sort of jewelry I make when left to my own devices. And your components are perfect, have I told you that lately?
And test wearing is part of the fun in my opinion. I call it "research"...after all if I don't like and it doesnt' wear right, I will never sell it...and then if I never sell it I better like wearing it!
I am a bit pokey when it comes to creating sometimes. I tend to go over the top and overthink the piece. I have a hard time editing. I need about 5 more hours in a day that I don't have to do anything but!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

LLYYNN - Lynn Davis said...

Judy, I was thinking of a rosary, actually. I've never really made one, so I'm glad it came through, it shows up.

Erin, I'm happy you like the components, I'm anxious and eager to see what you make with them! I'll just bet they turn out GORgeous!

The Joy of Nesting said...

Lynn,

This is a wonderful piece, and you have done an incredible job interpreting the neuances of the early religious pieces. It could easily be a necklace Constantine's mother Helena would have commissioned. :)

Pattie ;)
Mazatlan Mx.

dogfaeriex5 said...

lynn, this is so so beautiful, i am in love with the simplicity of it yet it speaks volumes, wow!
xo

Deryn Mentock said...

Wow, Lynn...this is just gorgeous! A true modern relic...