ArtFire

This titanium drusy stone with a permanent titanium coating is set on a handmade silver filigree pendant in the shape of a shield. The sterling necklace has a chain made especially for the pendant of multiple scalloped links connected by wide jump rings This one of a kind necklace, designed by B.Burkett has an elegant vintage look.

The pendant is 2 7/8" long, including the freshwater pearl dangle. The drusy gemstone 1 3/8" x 7/8" is coated with titanium and is best described as the color of slate. It is a hue that looks black with a metallic shine but sometimes has a brownish look. Whatever the color, it will be a staple for office and dress up occasions because it looks great with a wide variety of colors. The chain with scalloped links connected by wide jump rings was all designed and constructed by the artist; it is 18 inches long plus 2 inches of links for adjusting the length.

What is drusy?
Drusy, pronounced "druzy" is a sparkly crystal, usually quartz, which resembles sugar or snow. It forms when water brings minerals that deposit on the surface of agate or other host materials. When the water evaporates the minerals are left to form crystals. It is found in geodes or the interior of mineral deposits. Titanium drusys are created in a vacuum chamber with a coating of titanium permanently applied to a drusy stone.

Construction
This wearable work of art is constructed in four steps, much the same way as ancient filigree craftsmen did. First a base and frame, called a "bezel" are cut and formed to the shape of the gemstone. They are soldered with a torch to create a holder that secures the drusy gemstone.

In step two the frame for the filigree is constructed of round sterling silver wire which is flattened slightly by rolling it through a mill that works on the same principle as the gadget that flattens a toothpaste tube. Then it is formed into the shape that the artist has designed and soldered together, also using a torch.

Next the filigree filler wire is milled of two pieces of very thin, fine silver wire that is twisted and flattened by rolling it through the rolling. Each piece of filler wire is then bent into its curled shape and sized precisely so it will be held by tension when it is placed into the frame. After several pieces are fitted into the frame they are soldered so they are permanently attached to the frame. Additionally, B.Burkett solders the ends of each curl so the piece is very strong and no loose ends are left to catch onto your clothing. This step is repeated over again many times until the original design is completed.

Last, all the components are fitted together and the polishing begins. Five different grades of polishing disks are used to give the frame its mirror shine.

Care
This necklace was designed to be a wearable work of art and it is constructed to last a lifetime. Because the necklace contains a drusy and freshwater pearl, it should be cleaned with mild soap and water to remove body oils. After drying it can be shined with a professional silver polishing cloth. Don't put it into any vibrating cleaning machine or dip it into any cleaning solution. Place the necklace, with the clasp closed, into its own separate container, away from your other jewelry, to protect it from becoming tangled or scratched.

When you receive the necklace, the frame will be very shiny but if it is left to oxidize (tarnish) it will have a vintage look. You could then shine the metal with a treated cloth in places to highlight the intricate filigree.

This drusy stone, set with handcrafted filigree in the shape of a shield, has a mysterious vintage look that makes one believe it could have been found in a castle. Indeed, the Russian filigree designed and created by B.Burkett is inspired by an ancient art that was often crafted for royal families.

B.Burkett is an artist who is applying the principals of art to design and construct jewelry. She is especially interested in filigree because it is similar to drawing with a pencil except that wire is substituted for the pencil. She is particularly inspired by Victoria Lansford's Russian style filigree. She has learned Ms Lansford's techniques in the DVD entitled Metal Techniques of Bronze Age Masters: Russian Filigree.

titanium drusy, freshwater pearl, fine silver, sterling silver