Autumnal Jewellery - Making Seasonal Silver Leaf Jewellery

So it’s that time of the year where there is a light thief at work and a brazen nip in the air. As sad as it is to nearly say goodbye to the lighter, warmer months, Autumn brings about such beautiful changes it is spirit-lifter of its own. As philosopher Albert Camus said, ‘Autumn is a Second Spring when every leaf is a flower.’ 

Autumn Jewellery Inspiration

The very word ‘autumnal’ conjures up so many beautiful images and one of the things I love most about this season are the turning leaves. So it was a good time this week to design a new leaf ring and pendant inspired by Autumn, especially as my sterling silver ‘Falling Leaf earrings’ have been a hit with customers.  

The Sterling Silver Jewellery Making Process

I designed a new silver leaf ring and pendant - drawing out the design, cut the pieces by hand from sterling silver sheet, then hand filed and shaped them. Then there was some fairly tricky soldering to do to bring the pieces together, but with strong coffee (and a bit of swearing) they came together just fine. Once the soldered silver pieces were cleaned up, the fun began.

With a handheld metal etching tool, I added a sparkling textural effect on the silver leaves and a geometric textural design to the silver band of the ring. (I love this versatility of this tool even though it makes an ear-shattering sound.)

The Finished Sterling Silver Leaf Jewellery

The new silver pendant and ring are aptly named ‘Turning Leaf.’ I’ve added the option of a heavy sparkling sterling silver cluster chain to the leaf pendant, but there is also the option of a sleeker silver box chain for a more understated look.

Video of Etching Sterling Silver and Final Polish

Watch the video on my YouTube channel to see the etching and final polishing of the ring… take note, you

may need to turn down the volume.  

https://youtu.be/OVTOGU2gEmA

Jewellery Inspiration - My  Fascination with Hearts 

 I have a fascination with hearts and they appear a lot in my jewellery sometimes as whole hearts, beating hearts, falling hearts, as well as love bite hearts – when it bites it can bloody hurt.

 

My sister and I used to give each other heart-inspired gifts, it might be it a heart-shaped stone, heart print or heart on a card, I have heart-inspired items dotted around the house.

Hearts are fascinating by the very fact we can hear our own heart beat, thump and race. Hearts are inspiring and provoking. Hearts can be broken and attacked but also repaired and healed. Hearts can be heartless; you can break a heart and your heart can ache and burn. 

 

But cold hearts can be warmed. Heavy hearts can be lightened. Hard hearts have the ability to soften. Closed hearts can open. As easily as it is to be half-hearted, our hearts can fill to bursting. Weak hearts can grow strong. Big hearts can sooth incomplete hearts. Hearts should be felt and always followed.

For me hearts symbolise so many things, but most importantly they can hold endless love and compassion. I love the fact all of us can ‘have a heart.’