ArtFire

A handcrafted filigree harness of sterling and fine silver holds a round turquoise donut. The filigree harness is enhanced with tiny silver balls (granulation) and then oxidized (antiqued) to compliment the turquoise. Length 2 1/2", donut 1 5/8", harness including bail 1 1/2".

Handcrafted filigree is a work of art made entirely by hand. I draw each design just as if I were creating a sculpture. The frame is constructed of hand milled wire that is cut and shaped according to the design and soldered with a torch. Even the filler wire is hand milled by twisting two very thin fine silver wires together and then flattened by rolling it through a mill. Each and every swirl is formed for it's particular space and soldered onto the frame being very careful that the flame is at a precise temperature so the wires are attached but not melted. The tiny balls, called granulation are created by melting minute pieces of silver with the torch. When they melt they form into the balls which are then soldered onto the piece. Finally the piece is sculpted and soldered into the final work of art. Then the polishing begins, which is an art in itself. The frame is polished very carefully with five different grades of abrasive so the frame has a smooth sparkling shine but the filler wire is not touched. It's then put into a tumbler with stainless steel abrasive which shines the filler wires to the same sparkle. This filigree harness was oxidized (antiqued) so it will compliment the turquoise donut.

This pendant was inspired by Victoria Lansford's CD, Russian Filigree: Metal Techniques of Bronze Age Masters. www.VictoriaLansford.com and Candie Cooper's Bamboo Bail; Metalworking 101 for Beaders.

turquoise donut, oxidized sterling silver frame and fine silver filigree