Ever wondered what the handmade jewelry making process is really like?
Watch over my shoulder as I hand-cut a unique piece.
Now, with unique handmade designs, each piece is different.
Some are just silver.
Some also have copper or brass.
Some have a gemstone.
Some have more intricate designs which require more preparation.
I want to show you the stages of making just one relatively simple design – the Celtic Triquetra Pendant:
Jewelry Making Starts With An Idea
My designs come from one or more of the following:
- Designs found on ancient, historical non-jewelry items
- Influences from my everyday experience
- My creativity
- A combination of the above
In this case, the Celtic Triquetra Pendant is an historic symbol which I fashioned to my own personal taste.
Before any design implementation, though, we need some metal to design on and cut.
I use raw 925 sterling silver (the strongest and most reliable silver for jewelry making). I melt it down then flatten it out.
Next, I glue the design over the top of my flat sheet of silver.
And in the case of the Celtic Triquetra Pendant, I drill small holes between the lines of the design so I can cut out the full shape.
Once the holes have been drilled, I use my piercing saw to cut out the full shape of the actual design.
Next I soften the edges with my different-shaped needle files. And sandpaper to clean & smooth out the surface.
Then I mark out the places where the pattern overlaps. And from that, I use a bearing bur to create and strengthen the look of the overlaps.
I use an oxidizing liquid to give the joins more definition.
Before I give it a final polish, I solder a small ring around one point for the chain.
And, voila – we have the final piece you saw at the top of this post!
The End Of The Process Is A New Beginning
For me, the jewelry making process is not just a physical experience.
From the original idea to the design to the care & attention that goes into making it, I feel a small part of me is in every piece.
Call it spiritual, emotional, holistic, whichever description you prefer – a person wearing a piece of jewelry I have made will feel the love.
Jewelry making is a process of birth and re-birth.
Each piece that gets started and completed is continual growth with no end.
Love,
Ece
Ece loves spreading good vibes with authentic designs by creating unique handmade silver jewelry. She lives with her husband, Mick, daughter, Asya, two cats Ginger and Picasso, and lazy labrador, Viva, in the small, quiet village of Urla, Turkey.