Fine Silver Jewelry For the Adventurous Spirit who loves Style with Substance.
I was making jewelry, primarily wire-wrapped stones for necklaces and ran into a roadblock when I wanted to add a pendant or charm when I couldn't find what I had envisioned. My sister told me about classes in silver metal clay that were offered in her city - we thought it would be fun to do together (it was!). I took more classes, learning to make charms, pendants and rings (ring-making the most challenging) using Precious Metal Clay fine silver.
Precious metal clay is similar to modeling clay, with recycled silver suspended in an organic nontoxic binder. The clay is sculpted & designed; then dried and carefully sanded and filed (no one likes sharp edges - in people, toenails, or jewelry). Next, it's fired in a very-hot kiln; the silver particles fuse to form solid metal, the organic nontoxic binder burns away, and a piece of nearly pure silver remains. We tumble our pieces for better durability in daily-wear jewelry, and then add a patina (darken or hand paint) to accent the design.
Most of the solid silver pieces without stones are waterproof and sweatproof - tested by active friends in ocean water, and hiking and biking adventures. Many necklaces are made to be light and easy to wear during activities. Just avoid sulfur - which quickly tarnishes silver. (Sulfur often occurs naturally in mineral hot springs; it is advisable to remove all jewelry of any metal before sitting in mineral hot springs).
No matter your personal opinion of Nietzsche, I appreciate this particular quote;
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn’t hear the music.” -Nietzsche
