The damselfish is plentiful in the Maltese waters, its iridescent fry especially glorious when spotted while snorkelling. Here I combined powerful enamel colors with laboriously worked and shaped brass, with spirals reflective of both the sea and the designs found on ancient Maltese temple stones. The Azurite-Malachite stone, fixed as the bail, was picked for its gorgeous colours so reminiscent of the sea.
The enamels in this piece fired particularly beautifully - sometimes the kiln truly cooperates - and they work well with the warmth of the jeweler’s brass.
I'm a true islander in that I have always loved the sea and being underwater. Skin diving, flippering my way on a single breath among the underwater towers of coral, I know the excitement of being among such beauty. I long purposely stayed away from the natural world in my art jewelry. Silly as it seems, I worried animals and flowers were just too damn common in subject, overdone. It took years till I found the way I wanted to say it, and the courage to do so, in big giant battelaxe kind of jewelry like this one.
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 for the enamel, as well as the bail, is made out of tombac or jeweler's brass, a warm metal that is tough to work with, sawn out of sheet or wire to make an art sculpture. Fixed into the bail is a slice of high grade azurite-malachite, so reminiscent of the sea.
The necklace pendant comes on a fixed size choker made out of sterling patinated to a dark black. It complements the colors of the setting.
At a Glance:
- Focal: Cloisonné vitreous enamel on copper
- Choker circumference: 14.5"
- Dimensions of focal 3.75X3"
- Sterling silver choker
- Jeweler's Brass setting.
- Patinated to enhance detail
- Ships 3-day courier to worldwide. I've posted hundreds of precious enamels over the years, your piece is safe so order with confidence.
Layaway accepted! Contact me for deets either via email or IG DM.
Choker too small? No problem! I can make you one in your size at no extra cost just let me know before by DMing me on IG.
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 brass 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.
