AmmonArts

Hi, I am Silvia, the face behind AmmonArt. I've been involved with arts since I was old enough to hold a pencil, and have over time created art in lots of ways - painting, photography, printmaking, graphic and web design and illustration, interior design and more. I was a web designer for many years, and my current jewelry work comes from the need to reconnect with natural world and work with my hands.

I always loved history (growing up on the Ancient Roman forum ruins in Mediterranean will do that to you), and as an artist, I was always interested in discovering the unique nature of every medium I worked in. I consider the act of creation a collaboration between an artist and the material, not a conquest.

With all of these tendencies, no wonder I'm so drawn to fossils, minerals and organic treasures such as pearls and fossil coral (fresh coral is endangered and shouldn't be used) - right there is the history, nature and an endless variety of materials that demand their beauty be recognized on their own!

All the photography of the jewerly*, videos, packaging, editing, marketing materials and AmmonArtjewelry.com web design is done by me personally. It's fun to have a chance to combine all your skills for the common cause! :-)
*For model photography I often use stock images of people and editing software, otherwise I'd be spending all my time on marketing shoots, not creating new jewelry!
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FAQ

Q) How do I care for my AmmonArt jewelry?

A) 925 sterling silver tends to darken over time, especially in environments with more humidity. While some of my work is done with more durable 935 Argentium silver, some is pure sterling, and both will eventually feel effects of moisture-it's the nature of silver. Gold leaf will never tarnish, but is susceptible to scratches and wear. While I coat the gold leaf to protect it, even pyramids eventually wore down. Pearls are fine organic material, and as such should not be exposed to harsh chemicals, perfume spritzes or rough brushes. Fossils are crystallized, and as with all crystals, don't drop them.

Keep your jewelry in a safe place, away from water, chemicals and scratchy materials. Don't wash with water, just gently brush off dust and any dirt (if you drop it in ketchup, yeah, you'll have to use moist, soft fabric to clean it up). You may want to invest a little bit in anti-tarnish paper https://www.google.com/search?q=anti+tarnish+paper , but I do include a square in every gift box with silver pieces.

As with all precious materials, wearing your jewelry makes you both happy :-). Contact with clean skin is good for your AmmonArt jewelry, and all other jewelry you have.

Q) Why are the smaller pieces sometimes the same price as the large ones, and ones of the same size cost differently?

A) I'm continuously on the hunt for the most unique quality gems and pearls. Different materials are more or less costly (for example, more rare thin-chambered or black ammonites are harder to find and more costly than the brown ones, pearls vary in cost based on luster, shape and size, and so on). If I find an exceptionally unique piece or a batch of rare materials I'm sure I'll never see again, the price corresponds to that fact.

In addition, some pieces require more of my time and concentration than others. Small blister pearl earrings are actually harder to gild than the larger ones, for example. The price is in part determined by this.

Q) Why do you include silver plated chain with your pendants and sets?

A) This is a compromise. Almost everyone has a very specific taste in chains and chain length, so I don't want to include a chain that would most likely not be used while driving up the price. At the same time, I'm imagining someone getting one of my works as a gift, squealing happily, jumping up and down and wanting to try it out on the spot. :-). Chain is there so that moment doesn't fizzle out in digging through a jewelry drawer. I like imagining my work makes people happy...

Q) Where do I find out more about the materials you use?

A) You can stop by http://ammonartjewelry.com - I'm writing interesting bits about the materials and my work there, and the list of articles is growing. Or, stop by any of my social accounts. I'll be there.

Q) Why the pretentious crown in the logo?

A) This is a part of my family crest, and I use it proudly. In European heraldry, the number of points indicates the title. No, I'm not a princess.