This colorful fish I named a ‘Greenback’ comes set in sterling silver on a medium sized sturdy sterling chain. The wide bail allows for the focal’s removal and its slipping onto another necklace. With his mouthless little face this fish wins on cuteness in my book and I am very fond of the opaque/transparent over his body that gives the enamel depth and flash.
About the piece
The central focal is in cloisonné enamel, a technique which at the time of writing I am in my sixth year of exploring. It is an ancient technique whereby wire is used to denote outline based on my own unique designs, into which grains of glass are placed and fused in many many goes inside the kiln. This is a very reductive way of explaining the ancient technique - for more, look at this IGTV I made on the subject.
The enamel laid over sparkling pure silver foil creates a very pretty effect when the fish catches the light, recalling the scales of a real fish. The setting was sawn out of sheet silver and hand worked, engraved and polished. It boasts a wide bail that allows it to be slipped off the chain it comes on onto a new chain or torque.
At a Glance:
- Focal: Cloisonné vitreous enamel
- Dimensions of focal 2.75X1.5"
- Sterling silver setting.
- Necklace chain length: 20"
- Ships 3-day courier to worldwide. I've posted hundreds of precious enamels over the years, your piece is safe so order with confidence.
Care
This is a wearable artpiece, and while it was made sturdy enough to be worn a lot it is by no means everyday jewelry. While enamel does not react to humidity or fade in the light, if the piece has gemstones it should be shielded from both. Enamels and stones should not be dropped from a height either as they might chip or shatter. And though sturdily put together, all hand-fabricated jewelry needs to be treated with care - do not drop, shock, tug or knock it into things. Put it away with care and if on display, put it inside a case.
When making this jewelry the aim was to create a wearable piece of sculpture. Like clothing, jewelry will need cleaning and if worn continuously, possibly repairing. Care for it gingerly and the latter can be avoided entirely in your lifetime.
Alloys tarnish, and sterling is an alloy and will tarnish. Once you see tarnish you do not like, it is easy enough to restore brightness with tarnish-removing pads from jewelry stores. Try not to touch the stones with the pad as this is chemical-infused.
