Berry studs handmade in solid sterling silver, raspberry hot earrings, blackberry stud earrings by Canadian jewelry artist Melissa Pedersen
Handmade out of solid sterling silver these little berry studs are the perfect everyday style earrings. Inspired by freshly picked summer berries straight from the backyard garden!
The little berry is formed using sterling silver precious metal clay (I have a mold I use.) In my kiln the organic binder is burned away at 1500 degrees F and all that I am left with is a beautiful and detailed solid design in sterling silver. After soldering on a sterling post and hardening the metal it is polished and patinated. I love the look of a good dark patina on silver, it is a naturally occurring process, and I use this to my advantage. The contrast between dark and light makes all those pretty little details really stand out.
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
MATERIALS & PROCESS
♢ Solid sterling silver (100% recycled)
♢ Each berry was created in metal clay, which is made up of tiny, recycled sterling silver metal particles mixed with and organic clay like binder. It can be sculpted, molded, and formed however I want. For this design I have a little mold that I press the clay into. It allows me to make the perfect matching pair of earrings and other little elements for my designs. After the design dries 100% into my kiln it goes for a two-part firing process. The clay reaches 1500℉ for about an hour and the organic binder burns completely away leaving a solid sterling silver mini sculpture in its place.
♢ I finish the earrings with traditional metalsmithing techniques and solder on solid sterling silver posts. Included are solid sterling silver butterfly style ear backings.
♢ A dark patina is applied to the recessed areas of each berry, and the earrings go into my tumbler with steel shot to harden and polish the surface. The high points are polished to a bright shine, creating a beautiful contrast. The contrast between dark and light is what sterling silver is famous for!
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
INSPIRATION & SYMBOLISM
♢ I love gardening -- it is my biggest source of inspiration. I am drawn into all the little details and symbolism literally blooming all around me. As a metalsmith and jewellery designer I am fascinated with capturing the moment and transforming it into sterling silver. Jewellery is lasting, it does not fade like a flower and becomes a tiny little treasure box full of memories!
♢ Seeds and seed pods are a prominent element in my designs. The seed represents hope, perseverance, and potential. It is a symbol of encouragement!
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
MEASUREMENTS
♢ These studs have a diamter of .8 cm. The back of the berries are flat so they lay nicely against the earlobe. They are solid sterling silver so they have a nice weight to them.
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
GIFT GIVING
♢ Giving as a gift? I send all my jewellery in pretty, cardboard jewellery boxes, wrapped with ribbon and tissue paper, nice enough to give as a gift. I always include artist info so the recipient knows the item is handmade from the heart. If you would like to include a handwritten gift note, send me a message with what you would like to say and I will be happy to include hot one for free.
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
SHIPMENT + DELIVERY
♢ This item is all ready made and ready to ship, I will get it in the mail within 1-3 business days.
♢ I securely package all my jewellery in thin cardboard jewellery boxes, placed inside of a padded envelope or larger box for shipping.
♢ Shipping includes tracking and insurance.
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
CONTINUE SHOPPING
♢ Check out my entire Etsy Shop for more garden inspired sterling silver jewellery
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/melissapedersen
♢ Jump to coordinating pieces from my “mini botanical” collection
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/melissapedersen?ref=seller-platform-mcnav§ion_id=31737087
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
LET'S BE FRIENDS!
♢ Feel free to check out my website for more work and I would love to invite you to join my friends mailing list. I'll keep you update to with exclusive promos, upcoming events and you will be the first to know when a new collection is released!
⇨ www.melissapedersen.com
◦◦◦◦◦♢◦◦◦◦◦
Thanks so much!
Melissa Pedersen
♢ Jewellery Artist ♢