About My Jewelry

 Many of the fine silver jewelry pieces I offer are formed from silver metal clay. Metal clay is created from reclaimed silver from the manufacturing industry. It's mixed with binders to create a workable, moldable clay. When it is fired in the kiln the binders burn out, the metal particles sinter, and the resulting piece is .999 fine silver.

​

I often start by selecting a stone. I draw a design that supports the stone and then begin working with the clay. The clay is rolled out, cut, formed, textured, and dried. I may roll and texture a base, dry the clay, and then build further upon the base multiple times until the design is achieved. I refine the dried clay by sanding, filing, blending, and reinforcing. The clay is then fired in the kiln. After firing I polish the piece by first brushing with a stainless brush, and then using a tumbler, rotary tool, and/or hand polish pads and papers. Many pieces also have a patina applied to bring out the texture. It's a time-consuming process but one I enjoy and results are beautiful. 

 

Many glass artists buy off-the-shelf settings that use inexpensive metals. I began working with metal clay as a way to create one-of-a-kind quality settings for glass jewelry. I was quickly "bitten by the bug" and really love creating with silver and stones. Occasionally I work with base metal clays such as bronze and copper or with raw sterling silver (traditional metal smithing). I am an Art Clay Silver Level 1 certified instructor. ​

​

​​