Serpentine Wildflower Necklace // One of a kind

♢ Solid sterling silver (100% recycled)

♢ The flowers and tiny leaves were 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 hand sculpted each leaf and used a tiny mould to form the flowers. After the designs dry 100% into my kiln they go 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. It feels, looks, and acts just like regular sterling silver. I use these tiny components in my work to make one of a kind pieces. 

♢ The dew drop and back place is made from Argentium silver; which is a cleaner type of silver – both for me and the environment. It has a slightly higher fine silver content then traditional silver (93.5% compared to sterling’s 92.5%.) Made from recycled traditional silver it is a great choice both ethically and environmentally. Alloyed with hypo allergenic germanium it fuses beautifully and is fun to work with! Argentium silver allows me to work safer in the studio, by eliminating toxic flux and pickle fumes. I love working with Argentium silver and I am excited to present to you a silver that is cleaner and of a higher quality then traditional sterling silver.

♢ The little organic shaped flower bloom is created by water casting - pouring molten sterling silver into water. As the silver hits the surface of the water it forms a one of a kind cup shape and freezes in place. This process creates a beautiful texture and subtle details. A post is soldered down the center and I have set a half drilled white freshwater pearl in place. 

♢ I finish the pendant with traditional metalsmithing techniques by cutting, forming, soldering and polishing.

♢ A dark patina to the recessed areas of the pendant and it goes 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. This contrast between dark and light is what sterling silver is famous for!

♢ The Serpentine gemstone is flat backed, but faceted in a traditional way on the top called "rose cut" it is a lovely shade of green.

♢ When you flip the pendant over I have stamped my trademarked "MP" initials and "925."

♢ The process of creating is slow and intentional, I use traditional metalsmithing tools and processes alongside modern ones to create all my pieces by hand. My heart goes into every single piece I design.