I picked this Gingko leaf precisely because it looked like a tree top. So after the leaf was done, I made the background that has a framed pagoda and added the leaf and the tree trunk to the front. The pendant is recycled fine silver. After firing I gave the pendant an antique patina, then added the gems. The gemstone cluster consists of lovely blue fluorite and moonstone briolettes, and a carved vesuvianite leaf, and tanzanite and vesuvianite roundel beads. The handmade chain features the same gemstones and a textured sterling silver chain. There is another gingko leaf at the clasp. The lobster clasp is also sterling silver.
This necklace measures 18 inches long. The pendant is 61 mm x 28 mm, or just under 2 1/2 inches long.
The gingko leaf was made by painting about 10-12 layers of fine silver paste to the back side of the real leaf.
A note on precious metal clay: ArtClay silver is a recycled product that consists of fine silver particles suspended in an organic binder. The clay can be worked like other forms of clay, sculpted to almost any shape you desire. The product is then fired at an extremely high temperature, either by kiln or torch. The binder burns away resulting in a pure silver (.999) piece. The silver is reclaimed from such sources as 35mm film and medical and industrial leftovers. No strip mining necessary.
I am a proud supporter of animal charities, and donate 10% of my sales to animal charities, every month, on top of what I always give. See my About Me page for more info,Thank you for visiting my shop!
