EMJC-PR Nostalgia Bone Cuff

EMPR 6:4 Nostalgia Bone Cuff
Originally uploaded by sarawestermark

My challenge for this project was to create a piece from these parameters: bracelet, bone, and Byzantine/Victorian. I knew right away that I wanted to do the Victorian style.

I did some research and this hinged style of cuff was quite the rage in the Victorian Era. Most of the pieces found were 2 styles: wide band bracelet with hinges or a wide wire with ornamental balls on the end that overlapped in the front. I used the same square wire reinforcements on the edges to add to the strength. It was fun to use my experience with antiques to help guide my work on this piece. As a young girl I helped my father with his antique business. I love the jewelry part the best!

I had Hans (my stone cutter hubby) cut a section fossilized bone for this project. He had to recut a second stone since I broke the original bone. He trimmed down another one to make it work. (Did I say how much I love my digital calipers?)

The clasp is my favorite part. Its a spring pin clasp with a spinel set into to top of the pin. There is a safety chain as well. The side where the pin lives is secured by a wire that is soldered across the tubing and goes through the pin. (I really sweated this one out!!!)

I am so grateful for Vic from Experimetal for all her hard work on this project to help motivate us to reach for higher and higher artistic goals. I've decided that these challenges are just as important to me as commissions. I learn so much from each challenge. For more on our team challenges, please visit the etsy metal blog.
etsymetal.blogspot.com/

I am also grateful for my sweet Husband and my oldest Alyssa, who are my very best diamond finders! I managed to drop both of these on the floor and they found both of them for me! Everyone in my family is so supportive of my work and I am truly grateful that they lend a hand when I need it. I will have this piece for sale for my local shows. I'm not sure if I will list it on etsy yet.........