OK, not really the
dark side. Just the slightly morbid side.. if you consider Victorian mourning jewelry morbid (which I don't:) I've been mulling over some ideas for modern mourning jewelry for a while and I finally sat myself down and made a set.
I used a mixture of antique jet glass beads, antique mother-of-pearl buttons and my own porcelain pieces. The silhouette brings in another Victorian favorite. I think it goes well with the idea of commemoration and remembrance. I will be making some very simple necklaces with these silhouettes as well (I have more profiles in the works) - just a simple pendant on a silver chain. I can't wait to wear one. :)
Now, I've got a question for you! See those matte black earwires on this pair of earrings? I bought them at a craft store a while ago. Does anyone know where I can find matte black wire to make my own earwires? I haven't exactly started searching for it - I just thought I would throw the question out there and see of anyone knows where I can find it. Anyone, anyone?
OK, not really the dark side. Just the slightly morbid side.. if you consider Victorian mourning jewelry morbid (which I don't:) I've been mulling over some ideas for modern mourning jewelry for a while and I finally sat myself down and made a set.
I used a mixture of antique jet glass beads, antique mother-of-pearl buttons and my own porcelain pieces. The silhouette brings in another Victorian favorite. I think it goes well with the idea of commemoration and remembrance. I will be making some very simple necklaces with these silhouettes as well (I have more profiles in the works) - just a simple pendant on a silver chain. I can't wait to wear one. :)
Now, I've got a question for you! See those matte black earwires on this pair of earrings? I bought them at a craft store a while ago. Does anyone know where I can find matte black wire to make my own earwires? I haven't exactly started searching for it - I just thought I would throw the question out there and see of anyone knows where I can find it. Anyone, anyone?
13 comments:
I was browsing through a hardware store nearby (I live in Illinois) and they carried an 18 gauge black 'iron' wire and a very nice stainless steel wire that looked to be either a 22 or 24 gauge. Check some of the hardware stores near you.
Relatively inexpensive too.
That's a great idea! Thanks for the tip!
Wow - pretty pieces. Feminine, elegant, chic!
Have never seen it ... but I bet they might have it at Metalliferous in NY...maybe we should GO!! :)
These are beeeeooutiful! I love the idea of mourning jewelry. We have some at the museum, it's really gorgeous.
Your pieces are outstanding. These earrings have to be my favorite!
You can simulate that look of the ear wire by oxidizing sterling silver with liver of sulphur!
Niobium is a non-allergenic metal which comes in a range of colors:
http://www.fusionbeads.com/shop/product/40458/
http://www.beadaholique.com/p-20500-niobium-earring-hooks-hypo-allergenic-x4-2-pair.aspx
There was a lampwork artist that I used to get some pieces from and she used a black wire, I've never seen it anywhere, the black was a matte finish and never wears off. Great stuff, wish I had some.
I love the pieces...doesn't mourning jewelry also incorporate braided hair? That's kindof morbid...
These are really beautiful, Nancy. They also speak to me. What is the first one? A necklace? A bracelet?
i too oxidized my sterling silver to get the black look.
the earrings are fab!
Like the first person said - in the hardware store they carry annealed steel wire in different gauges. It is what several of the jewelry designers I follow use and it is black. I love the mourning jewelry.
Like the first person said - in the hardware store they carry annealed steel wire in different gauges. It is what several of the jewelry designers I follow use and it is black. I love the mourning jewelry
Thanks everyone for all your great suggestions!
Susan, the first photo is a bracelet - all jangly and jingly.
And yes, L, we DO need to go back to Melalliferous! Pronto!
Absolloutly beautiful pieces, loving the black wire too hope you find some.
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