Prototype Earrings

prototype filigree earrings by Sherry Cordova Jewelry
prototype filigree earrings

I took a few pairs of earrings, disassembled them, and reassembled parts into these prototype earrings. My idea is to have smaller square wire jump rings on the earring frames which are  currently sitting on the workbench ready to be filled. Flexible, swinging earrings similar to these prototypes are one version I’m mulling, and another version would use handmade fancy wire to hang the filigree oval and circles into set configurations.

Creating Components

In the years since I made a certain filigree component, I forgot which gauge wires I used. I also forgot that I’d annealed several times during the process, an oversight which was easily remedied after the small twisted strands broke a few times and I spent a few seconds thinking about it. Turns out I liked the large wire combo better for what I have in mind.

  • 20 gauge fine silver + twisted doubled strand of 28 gauge fine silver (top left half of the picture)
  • 18 gauge fine silver + twisted doubled strand of 26 gauge fine silver (bottom right half of the picture)
Fine silver twisted wire components
Fine silver twisted wire components

Today’s samples could become a part of a filigree hinged cuff idea that is in the process of moving from my mind into silver. Yesterday I flattened wire and made fine silver diamonds that could maybe – possibly – perhaps also be part of the final design.

Fine silver diamond sheet shapes
Fine silver diamond sheet shapes

The other day I made these

Variations of wrapped wire and flattened wire
Variations of wrapped wire and flattened wire

And, tomorrow or someday soon, I’ll get back to making consistent versions of these

More practice needed: fine silver components
More practice needed: fine silver components

Surprise Delivery

Khanjar filigree letter opener; sterling and fine silver
"Khanjar" filigree letter opener; sterling and fine silver

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised when my artist’s copy of “500 Knives” by Lark Books was delivered.  My “Khanjar” letter opener (page 267) slices open envelopes very well, when it’s allowed to see some action. After making it, I decided it was more of a display piece. I need to make myself a letter opener that I am less protective of.

The book contains photos of some amazing works of art, masquerading as very functional knives.