Stud earrings don't have to be generic and plain. These unique silver stud earrings have plenty of character and will stand out without getting in the way. Handmade using recycled sterling silver, they feature a gorgeous earthy organic texture, that looks like it has been taken straight from the garden. They have a bit of a mystery to them, the abstract design references flowers, crackled earth and mushroom caps, the beauty is that you get to decide.
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Rustic Bloom Studs
♢ Solid sterling silver (100% recycled)
♢ The rustic flower texture was created in Metal clay, which is made up of tiny recycled sterling silver metal particles mixed with and organic clay like binder. It can be sculpted, molded, and formed however I want. For this design I have created the texture by hand and created a little mold to make sure the earrings match. After the designs dry 100% into my kiln they fo for a two-part firing process. The clay reaches 1500℉ for about an hour and the organic binder burns completely away leaving a solid sterling silver mini sculpture in its place.
♢ I finish the earrings with traditional metalsmithing techniques and solder on solid sterling silver posts.
♢ I apply a dark patina to the recessed areas of the texture, and the earrings go into my tumbler with steel shot to harden and polish the surface. The high points are polished to a bright shine, creating a beautiful contrast. The contract between dark and light is what sterling silver is famous for!
♢ The butterfly style earring backs are a step up in quality, a slightly thicker gauge than normal. Since studs are my personal go to earrings I have found from experience that a nicer ear backing was needed to hold up in regular use.
