ArtFire

If you want a pair of distinctly unique, one of a kind (OOAK) earrings, ANCIENT VOICES is definitely that pair of earrings! And what stunning beauties they are! Created by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs with handmade copper ammonites components, Swarovski crystals, hand hammered copper spirals and sterling silver, they will bring compliment after compliment when worn.

I absolutely love the beautiful swirling design of the ammonite rectangles, such deep texture and radiant metallic colors! The copper ammonite components were individually handmade by Kristi Bowman (Kristi Bowman Design here on ArtFire and Etsy). Working with copper clay, Kristi carefully pressed a real ammonite into the clay to make the design and then kiln-fired the pieces. Because of the high heat in the kiln, the clay burns off leaving a solid copper piece. Each piece is then torched with a butane torch to bring out the amazing colors of the copper. The pieces are then lightly sealed so the colors will stay brilliant for many years. Since each piece is individually handmade, there are always variations in the peices - that's what I LOVE about handmade! The ammonite rectangles remind me of ancient artifacts that might have been dug up in an archaeological excavation.

When looking closely at the colors of the ammonites, I noticed a beautiful light green/yellowish color. To highlight that color, I chose faceted "lime" Swarovski crystal bicones in 6mm and 4mm sizes. Three separate sets of dangles were wire wrapped onto the ammonite rectangles. The two outside dangles have three 4mm bicones separated by copper 2mm beads. The middle dangles is composed of one 6mm Swarovski bicone with a 4mm bicone at the top and the bottom. These crystals are also separated by 2mm copper beads. The crystals, as the earrings are worn, certainly flash and glitter with each movement!

The Swarovski crystals were wire-wrapped to the copper components on handmade (by me) headpins. To continue with the spiral shape of the ammonites, I formed and hand-hammered a spiral into the end of each headpin. Something else that adds to the uniqueness of the earrings!

The main body of ANCIENT VOICES was connected to sterling silver earwires. I added a 3mm copper bead to the earwires to tie the two metals together.

I named these earrings ANCIENT VOICES because ammonites were once plentiful in pre-historic oceans. Once a major life form in oceans 400 million years ago to around 65.5 million years ago, they are now extinct. Fortunately there are fossil records of their existence!

Here is the important information for ANCIENT VOICES:

Copper ammonites: app. 22mm x 12mm
Swarovski crystals: "lime" 4mm and 6mm faceted bicones
Metal: copper and sterling silver
Headpins: copper with a hand-hammered spiral at the end
Earwires: sterling silver French hooks with a 3mm copper bead accent
Length: app. 2.5"/6.4 cm from top of the earwires

ANCIENT VOICES is a truly one of a kind pair of earrings, from the handmade copper components, to the choice of 'lime" Swarovski crystals, to the hand-hammered spirals at the end of the headpins. They will be a pair of earrings that you will treasure!

***Please be aware that not all monitors show colors exactly the same. The colors of the items used to create my jewelry are extremely close to the actual color on my monitor. The colors may appear lighter or darker on your monitor.

Shadow Dog Designs
Unique Handmade Jewelry
for the Discriminating Woman

E-30

I am always on the look out for unique and unusual handmade pieces by other artists to use in my work. The copper pieces by Kristi Bowman are some of my all-time favorites, especially her ammonite pieces. I am drawn to their rustic, ancient feel! It is always a pleasure to work with Kristi's pieces!

handmade copper ammonite components; 4mm and 6mm "lime Swarovcski crystal bicones; copper 2mm beads, handmade headpins and 3mm beads; sterling silver earwires with a copper bead accent

Carefully handmade in a pet friendly, smoke free studio (: