Triquetra Jewellery

Field of Clovers

2010-11-21T19:36:00.006+02:00

This is my final piece for the completion of my BTech degree. Based on 4 leaf clovers, like my Clover ring, I think this might be my best piece yet (she said modestly).

These were the various size templates I used to bend up the framework for the clovers.

Each clover was made from 4 individual leaves. Initially, my plan was to just have the leaves soldered to each other but it became necessary to have the rings in the center. Otherwise the shape of the clover looked wrong.

Power of a Woman Part Deux

2010-11-20T16:20:00.006+02:00

Garnets are my birthstone and the colour red is often associated with passion and power. According to the website Squidoo, the colour red can increase enthusiasm, stimulate energy, encourage action and confidence, and offer a sense of protection from fears and anxiety.
This ties in so accurately with what I'm trying to achieve with my jewellery.

Power of a Woman

2010-11-20T15:12:00.005+02:00

These images are of the completed filigree elements of my new piece, based on the Erickson Beamon neck piece.

Individual domed filigree elements

Triquetra Flower

It is made with sterling silver frame wire and fine silver filler wires. A wire, with a ball melted on the end, was threaded through the middle and soldered from the back as shown below.

This was then cut off and cleaned up. I used the following chains, with various round links, to echo the roundness of the string of the garnet beads I'm using.

Layered Chains

2010-11-06T22:30:00.006+02:00

Coco Chanel may have been the first person to introduce layered chains as a trend. She was a fashion icon that influenced the use of mixing both real and faux jewels.
In the 1980's, a young singer by the name Madonna once again created interest in this trend.
And, once again, in the last few years, there has been a resurgence of this trend, shown in both the media and filtering down to fashion stores such as Truworths, Foschini, Edgars, Mr Price etc.

Ibo Silver

2010-11-06T19:35:00.006+02:00

Off the coast of Northern Mozambique lies Ibo Island, which our lecturers visited. On their return, they taught us the technique which became known to our jewellery department as "Ibo Silver." The technique consists of fusing thin pieces of silver to jump rings, to create new links that can be joined to form various pieces of jewellery.The jump rings are usually arranged in 4's, to form a square but I decided to use 3. Worked out well for 2 reasons. Firstly, it echoed the 3-sided shape of the triquetra, and secondly, created an interesting pattern when linked to form the chain of the Hip-Hop Diva Neckpiece.

Triquetra Earrings

2010-11-06T19:25:00.006+02:00

Of all the filigree pieces I've made, these have to have been the simplest. Based on the Triquetra symbol, for which my blog is named, they are bold, yet delicate and feminine.

Aspiring Apothecary?

2010-11-06T17:50:00.005+02:00

On a trip to Singapore, I bought this stone pestle and mortar at Chinatown, purely for decorative purposes. Came in handy, though. My recent batch of flux was rougher than usual, so I now grind it down in this. I find that the finer the flux the better it mixes with the filed solder, which then flows better.

To Filigree Or Not To Filigree?

2010-10-20T22:18:00.008+02:00

In my quest to define what filigree means I came across many pieces termed filigree that were actually either pierced or cast.

Bib-style gladiator filigree necklace

This piece was created by thehouseofhemp, and looks to be made up of cast elements. Compare the difference between it and a piece by Victoria Lansford.

Curves in the right places II

Erickson Beamon

2010-10-19T16:25:00.009+02:00

Erickson Beamon is a collaboration between Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon. They create designer fashion jewellery which is, as Beamon states:"not designed to look real- we create fantasies."
The neck piece pictured here has a similar feel to the piece I'm working on at the moment. It has a definite costume jewellery look to it, with the chunky chains and the crystal detail. I think my piece needs to feel slightly more delicate to emphasise the nature of filigree.

Continuing with the "layered chains" trend, I'm using the flower element from my Hip-Hop Diva Neckpiece. I also intend on incorporating a string of garnet beads to add colour.

More About The Clover Ring

2010-10-19T15:52:00.006+02:00

This was the modification I did to the appliqued clover design for the basket of the ring. It was pierced and domed and the final product is shown here.
I've been told this alone would make a pretty ring, with maybe a stone set in it.

Now Can I Have My luck?

2010-10-13T12:34:00.004+02:00

It's been a long time in the making, but it's finally done! Woo-hoo! Learned a valuable lesson with this ring. Realised the setting needs to be added after all the filigree is completed. It was twice as difficult getting the solder to flow towards the center. Well, live and learn!

Vetkat Kruiper

2010-06-09T10:14:00.006+02:00

Vetkat Kruiper was a contemporary artist who continued the tradition of Bushman rock paintings. At an exhibition at Bergtheil Museum in Westville, Durban a while back, jewellers were asked to create a line of jewellery based on his artworks.
Using 1 of his paintings as a reference (image unavailable), I created the following element:The idea was to make a long necklace with these set at intervals.

Clover Basket

2010-06-09T10:01:00.006+02:00

I came to the realisation that, as it is, the piece will lie 2 flat on the hand, so I'm going to bend the petals downwards slightly. In doing so, the actual clover will need to sit higher on the shank, necessitating a basket. I want to pierce a modified version of the image above for the basket.

At last! The Nightmare is Over!

2010-06-09T09:35:00.006+02:00

The filigree on this piece gave me endless problems. I have been using thinner wire for my recent projects and it's taking a while to get used to soldering it. As a result, I had a few melted mishaps and on 1 occasion, the entire piece was literally stuck to my soldering block and caused an entire section to yanked out! But now it's done and needs to be put on a shank.

A Much Needed Break!

2010-04-19T20:50:00.012+02:00

India! Stories go that you either love it or hate it! and I LOVED it! It's unlike any place I've ever been before. My only regret is that I couldn't have stayed longer! Needless to say, I'm already planning my next trip. It was a bit of a whirlwind vacation, visiting 5 cities in 11 days, and Dubai on the 12th day but it was fabulous! It was my first time visiting the land of my ancestors and I was struck by the contrasts I encountered, between wealth and poverty, beauty and neglect, the rural and the urban.

Our first stop was in Delhi, where I had my first experience of Indian driving and traffic! OMG! It was astounding! Traffic lanes and traffic lights are nothing more than guidelines! I can say for certain that I never saw a single car without a ding! This video is merely a taste of it, and take note that there were only 4 lanes:

The main reason for my visit to Delhi was to see the Swaminaryan Akshardham Temple. I had seen pictures of this amazing structure but the reality was truly beyond belief!

Created without the use of steel, the complex took 11 000 artisans and volunteers 5 years to complete. You are taken on a journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Exhibitions include an audio-animatronic and light show illustrating the life of Bhagwan Swaminaryan, a 40 minute film on an 85 x 65 foot screen, a 12min boat ride through 10 000 years of Indian history, as well as a musical fountain. Photography, unfortunately, is not permitted but further images can be viewed on their website. The intricacy and ornateness of the carving of every wall is simply mind blowing! Well worth a visit!

Mum and I at the Iskon Temple

Sarojini Nagar Market

Next on our itinerary was Jaipur, the Pink City. I loved it here but our time was way too short so I didn't get much opportunity to experience the city. The architecture was stunning and the Old City was just so full of character.

Bais Godam Circle

View from the hotel roof

On to Mumbai, which is very busy and very crowded! But the shopping was divine ! Unfortunately was a bit ill for a while, but still managed to buy gorgeous stationery and clothing! (Pictures to follow soon. Watch this space!)

The Arabian Sea

Mottah Market

On the streets of Mumbai

Then it was off to Bangalore!

Weaving of silk sarees on looms

Watched the manufacturing of silk sarees and then got to purchase them at wholesale prices!

Getting my shoe fixed

With all the walking we had done, my shoe eventually had had enough! The sole had all but fallen off, so we stopped at a roadside cobbler who fixed it in a matter of minutes!

K. Rangaswamy and his autorickshaw (Tuc-tuc)

Kanthan Rangaswamy was our tuc-tuc driver and guide for the duration of our stay. If you're lucky enough, it's possible to find a good driver who's not looking to take advantage of you and really will take to to good, cheap stores, all at a very reasonable rate!

Outside Sai Baba's ashram in Putta Pathi

Our final day in India was spent at Putta Pathi in Andra Pradesh, the site of Sai Baba's ashram (temple). Again photography was not allowed within the ashram. Devotees from all over the world flock here in the hopes of catching just a glimpse of Sai Baba. For a fellow Durbanite, that we spoke to, it was a dream, 20 years in the making, come true! Putta Pathi is also home to a technologically advanced hospital that administers treatment to anyone free of charge, which I think is truly fantastic!

Underwater zoo at the Dubai Mall

Literally, the final hours of our trip was spent in Dubai. We arrived there at 3pm, freshened up, and hit the ground running! Aside from the amazing architecture, the malls drew me like a fly to honey! The Dubai Mall is the newest and largest to date, boasting 1 500 stores, a mini gold "soukh" and an aquarium. Walking in, I felt like I was home: Louis Vuitton to the left of me, Manolo Blahnik to the right, Jimmy Choo to the front! A design-diva's dream come true!

Even more awesome was the ski arena the Mall of Emirates, where you could ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow!

Ski area at the Mall of Emirates

All-in-all, it was a wonderful experience and has given me just a small taste of what India is like. I would encourage anyone to go at least once in their lifetime, but a bit of advice: Learn your Hindi and book any internal flights for the morning. We experienced 2 - 3 hour delays on every flight, which was the main reason for me being ill. Keep an open mind but, most of all, just drink it all in and enjoy !

Flavours Exhibition

2010-03-05T20:03:00.008+02:00

Have just now realised that I haven't posted any pictures of the jewellery I created for the Flavours Exhibition.Completed this bangle eventually. Was a bit of nightmare to manufacture, as the individual squares kept coming apart as I was bending it up. Worked it all out in the end! The little flowers on the sides are actually screws, the idea being that the perspex could be interchangeable, perhaps in different colours!
This is, by far, my favourite piece to date! I based it on the trend of wearing layered chains, but, of course, with a filigree twist!
The flowers on either side are identical. They're actually larger versions of my earrings. I call this my Hip-Hop Diva Neckpiece! Definitely Diva-licious!

A Happy Accident!

2010-03-05T19:15:00.008+02:00

I began the filigree work, using the pattern shown above. At first, I partially soldered each section, as it was completed, but, then, put it down to lack of interest or,dare I say it, laziness, I started getting overconfident. As a consequence, (not unexpected) a slip of my hand caused all of the wires to pop out! Of course, this caused me to throw my hands in the air in frustration and down tools for a period so I could lie in bed, with the covers over my head, in a state of depression!
Well, not really! But I did stop and rethink! I decided that I needed to add more large wires, creating smaller sections of filigree.
Played around a bit. Above was my first idea, which followed on from the filigree pattern I was creating. Eventually settled on the pattern below, as it was more interesting! As this pattern stands, this in itself would make an interesting piece. But on with the filigree!
P.S Please forgive the first picture. It was taken with my cell phone, very badly!

Finally! A Beginning!

2010-03-05T18:46:00.006+02:00

Finally had the motivation to begin! This is the framework for the clover, which I have decided is going to be 1 of my fabulously over-sized rings! Excitement beginning to set in!

Change Is Constant

2010-03-05T18:01:00.008+02:00

I knew I wanted a use a stone for this piece and this stone is perfect! It is a colour changing obsidian. On the left, the obsidian is a pinky-brown in natural light, whereas under fluorescent light, it is quite green, as seen on the right!
For me, this stone aptly symbolises the transience of life: ever changing, never stagnant, surprises at every turn! While my 4 leaf clover is meant to bring good luck, luck also moves in cycles and is unpredictable! Change,truly, is the only constant!

Fortuitous Valentine

2010-03-05T17:47:00.007+02:00

Quite unexpectedly, this year, I received a bouquet of red roses for Valentines Day. The arrangement came in a metre tall black vase and on the side of the vase was stuck these 3 mirror hearts. (Sadly, it was an empty gesture, so I didn't take a photo of the arrangement!) Didn't think much of the hearts at the time until...
When I began manufacture of my 4 leaf clover, I realised the hearts were the perfect template to bend the wire around, to create each leaf! Looked like I was off to a lucky start!

The Best Is Yet To Come?

2010-02-02T19:04:00.008+02:00

4 Leaf Clover

There's been quite a bit of turmoil in my life recently and I began thinking of signs or symbols representative of the way forward for me. I thought of the 4 leaf clover, which is commonly associated with luck (and Lord knows I need some!), and started thinking about how I could translate it into a piece of jewellery. Still working on design ideas!

I further found out that each leaflet represents faith, love, hope and luck respectively! Things that everyone could use in abundance! Can"t wait to see what develops!

Iron-on Badge

I find this iron-on badge somewhat reminiscent of filigree and has put some definite ideas into my head! Stay tuned!

Better late than never!

2009-08-05T22:25:00.005+02:00

Technology will be the death of me! My computer's been under attack recently, so I haven't been as diligent with my blog. Now to play catch-up!

I recently showcased my work in an exhibition at artSpace Gallery in Durban, along with other emerging jewellers. As the name suggests, there were jewellery styles to suit every taste. It ran for three weeks and I think it was a great success.

I was very pleased with my display. My intention was to keep the focus on the jewellery, yet showing the pieces in context, i.e. how they could be worn. The image I tried to create was one of elegance, glamour and sophistication and I think I achieved it!

My Filigree Space

2009-06-01T17:26:00.004+02:00

My Favourite Working Space!

People have said that I'm crazy to do filigree but the truth is that I love it! It's like an island of tranquility in a world of chaos. Once I get into the rhythm, there's not much concentration required. My mind is free to wander, I can listen to my favourite music or have a conversation. I can't think of anything better than sitting on my patio, enjoying the beautiful Durban weather, and creating beauty!

I Have Jewellery (Almost)!!

2009-05-26T09:57:00.012+02:00

I had actually forgotten to post about these earrings. They were started in March, and have been finished for a while, but I hadn't gotten around to taking the photos.

This bangle is still a work in progress. I like the overall impression, but I had problems with solder joins while bending it up. I decided to cast the frameworks for the elements to overcome this. The perspex is a bit stark against the delicate elements, and needs to be filed and, maybe, made thinner.

Funny story! I was in my bathroom the other day, when I realised that this is part of a tile! I guess it manifested itself in my subconscious, and voila!, it's found its way into my jewellery.

Splash Page

2009-05-25T20:14:00.005+02:00

I guess a splash page is a visual artist statement, giving the viewer a glimpse into your work, your process and, perhaps, references. Sounds simple enough, right? I'm only 90% satisfied with my splash page. Any ideas on how it could improve?

Elizabeth Galton

2009-05-24T19:51:00.004+02:00

ORIENTAL SKY AND NECKLACE FROM THE ORCHID READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION

Elizabeth Galton is a London fashion jeweller, whose creations are for the bold and adventurous. Her "mission is to bring women around the globe a vision of unique, sophisticated and distinctive jewellery. " Inspired by the life cycle of flowers, her pieces are sculptural and theatrical.

Giovanni Corvaja

2009-05-20T22:50:00.007+02:00

Giovanni Corvaja is a truly remarkable artist. He is an Italian goldsmith who has developed a method of drawing wire to a fifth of the thickness of human hair, essentially turning gold and platinum into delicate fibres. In his latest collection, he has recreated the Golden Fleece, creating pieces seemingly covered in gold fur.

This image demonstrates how he draws his wire, and it floored me how sensible it is. Doing filigree, I work with very long lengths of very thin wire, and it is frustrating and very time consuming having to deal with tangles. This device is so clever and I have to get one!
Images sourced from http://www.giovanni-corvaja.com/

Flavour!

2009-05-06T21:13:00.004+02:00

I'm trying to find and express my flavour. In terms of shoes, this is very easy to do! Take a look at what gets me going!

Flavour! Shoes,Beautiful Shoes or Flowers?

Photography

2009-05-06T19:43:00.005+02:00

We have an exhibition of the BTech students from DUT coming in July and one the things we need are really good quality photos of our work. The following album contains my first attempts at proper photos, including 2 of the set-up used to take them.

Exhibition pics

I still have loads to learn, which I expect will come with time and practice! I found a really useful site, with great tips for photography called DIYPhotography.net

What A Trip!

2009-04-13T16:36:00.004+02:00

Just a bit of fun: check out TRIPWONKER. I thought it was just so awesome! Mark Spiegl's site is definitely worth a visit for a laugh!

Stacey Lee Webber

2009-04-03T18:01:00.004+02:00

Just when I thought I had seen every possible variation of filigree, I came across Stacey Lee Webber's work. OMG!

The FancyWork Series: Jeweler’s Tools
2006-2007

Historically, filigree was commissioned by the wealthy from places such as China and India, where labour costs were lower and the idea behind the jeweler's tools is to return "the fruits of the labour back to the labourer."

More on Victoria Lansford

2009-04-01T17:43:00.010+02:00

STARDUST ON MY SLEEVE

Victoria Lansford's emphasis lies not only with how her pieces look when worn, but more with how the person wearing them feels. The kind of filigree she does is Russian or openback filigree using 18ct or sterling silver frame wire and fine silver for filler wires. What sets her work apart from other commercial filigree, and what I want to emulate, is the intricate patterning of her filler wires. This part of the design evolves as she works.

South African Flowers

2009-03-30T13:29:00.016+02:00

I recently came across these flowers, native to South Africa, that I find quite similar to the element I am currently working with.

ROMULEAS

The Romulea Cruciata grows on sandstone and granite slopes and rocks.

The ixia is often given as a gift on happy occasions.

My element consists of two identical pieces riveted together. There's potential for so many different pieces that I still to need to translate to paper. First, though, I'm making a pair of drop earrings. Should be finished tomorrow, so stay tuned!

AMARYLLIS

The Amaryllis is also known as the Belladonna Lily or naked ladies because of it's tall stems and precious flowers.
I'm wondering how to use this flower in my jewellery because I think it's gorgeous!

ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI BRAZIL COLLECTION

2009-03-14T14:00:00.005+02:00

The way this video is done just takes my breath away. The concepts behind the jewellery are so well demonstrated that you have no doubt as to what the designer envisioned. Bravo!

Source: www.youtube.com

TRIQUETRA

2009-03-12T18:03:00.013+02:00

I thought, as a point of interest, I should explain my blog's name. I first encountered this symbol on the TV series "Charmed" and initially just liked how it looked, but after a little research, I realised that it was representative of my life in many ways. Triquetra (TRY-KWET-RA) symbolises trinities and I am the youngest of 3 sisters (though I often feel like the eldest!) and in Wicca, it is symbolic of the 3 stages of women (viz. maid,mother and crone) or the Triple Goddess. It is also symbolic of Mind, Body and Soul. To learn more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triquetra

ENAMELLING

2009-03-12T17:29:00.009+02:00

Hill,G.(ed.) 2008. Faberge and the Russian Master Goldsmiths. New York: Universe Publishing. Plate 101

I absolutely love these enamelled cigarette cases made by various Russian makers circa.1890-1910! I aspire to create a business card case, in this style, with my logo and a floral motif. Still working on the design! Terrified about working with enamel, though! Guess there's nothing for it but to plunge in!

VICTORIA LANSFORD

2009-03-03T13:59:00.014+02:00

This video is by Victoria Lansford, an American goldsmith who specialises in ancient techniques such as Eastern Repoussé, Russian Filigree, granulation and chainmaking. For more on her work, see http://www.victorialansford.com.

Source : http://www.ganoksin.com/benchtube/

BACK TO THE BENCH!

2009-02-26T12:57:00.008+02:00

I needed to get back into manufacturing so this ring is like a practice run. Made from a "flower"disc, it's domed for depth and has a setting for an amethyst. Ideally the setting should have been integrated into the disc for added strength.

DUT JEWELLERY DESIGN DIPLOMA SHOW 2008

2009-02-19T15:55:00.014+02:00

DIPLOMA SHOW 2008

It was a long road, but we eventually got there! I was really pleased with my display and very proud of my jewellery!

MY SHOWPIECE

Interesting story: I found this filigree disc at a scrap yard! I think it might have been a brooch once upon a time but, after cleaning it, I made it into a ring. This was the starting point for my filigree work and directly inspired my exam pieces.

MY EXAM PIECES

The ring with matching earrings and necklace. The stones are topaz.

A STATEMENT NECKLACE

The design for this silver filigree necklace evolved as I was manufacturing and definitely improved from the original. Making it asymmetrical added a more contemporary edge and prevented it from being too eastern.

AMULETIC RING

Now that it's finally finished, this ring is my favourite. It's based on the triquetra symbol, which has special significance to me and is set with my birthstone: a garnet.

BEAUTY IS PAIN

So named because putting it on is agony! Based on dragon wings, it does look fabulous on!

LOTUS WAX SEAL

This is an example of "jewellery that is not jewellery." Inspired by the lotus flower, it serves the same purpose as signet rings of old: It's used to make impressions in wax, either to seal envelopes or as a signature. On the left is the impression it makes, and surprise! it's the triquetra symbol.

FLOWER RING

This was my first attempt at working with 18ct gold. The idea was to design around a stone that was provided by a client. My stone was a synthetic blue spinel, which I replaced with an aquamarine when I had it set. The purple stones are iolites and the rim is pave set with diamonds.

Amuletic Jewellery

2008-09-02T14:22:00.006+02:00

This is a work in progress, an intricate filigree ring. It will be set with a garnet and have a knife edge shank.
This was a fantastic learning experience. I learned never to use fine silver plate in a ring : while wearing it I kept knocking it into things, the end result being that it was all bent out of shape and half the filigree fell off.
Secondly, the claws needed to be added differently. I corrected this mistake in my necklace.
I have to remake this because I just love it!

As above, So below

2008-09-02T13:55:00.002+02:00

This is a work in progress, a locket with an interesting catch mechanism. The hexagram represents the saying "As above, so below." This simple symbol can be separated into the symbols for fire, earth, air and water.