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February 19, 2005
Gold and Silver Smithing
My introduction to metalsmithing came in the form of a class given by the League of NH Craftsmen in 1971/72. It was a non-stop trip to the present, and there's no end in sight. Although I've oficially retired from my 30-year career of designing and producing one of a kind pieces in sterling, gold and gemstones for consignment and on special comission, I still enjoy time in my workshop. Here, I will try to show a representative sample of the kinds of pieces I've made through the years. It ranges from baby bracelets to medals of office for college presidents, from boxes and bowls to intricate rings, pins and pendants.
14K Gold ring, fabricated from wire and sheet gold. The understructure of the ring looks like a ladder turned round on itself. The leaves, flowers, scrolls and balls are made individually and soldered onto the framework. LOTS of solder joins!
These sterling silver "See Shells" contain magnifying lenses
Earrings: 14K with pink and green tourmaline, Sterling with amethyst and Sterling with garnet
Pendants:14K with Topaz, Amethyst and Beryl crystals; 14K with garnet and granulation; Sterling "Bauble"
Bead Necklace, 24" long, with antique amber beads from Kenya. This necklace won the Stevens Metal Award in the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Foundation 1986 Annual Juried Exhibit at the Currier Gallery of Art. Each sterling silver bead is individually hand made, as is the clasp.
LEFT:The Embroiderer's Giuld of America comissioned this Medal of Office to commemorate past presidents of the organization and to be presented to each new presiddent. Their names and dates are engraved on both sides of the many plates making up the chain. The central badge, an emblem of the Guild, was provided and I mounted it. Sterling Silver and 14K Gold.
RIGHT: Chain of Office for the President of Rivier College, comissioned and presented in 1983
Posted by jacquie at February 19, 2005 05:09 PM