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Michael Stephens Silversmith |
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 Title: "Celebration Chrysalis", One-of-a-Kind Fabricated Pendant, Sterling, "Arabic Script Jasper" Cabochon. This pendant measures 3.5" by 1.5" and is sold without the neckband: The shape of the stone prompted the design and is the focal point. The chrysalis is an age-old symbol of change and new beginnings as it holds the promise of transformation from a caterpiller into an emerging butterfly. The looped wire bail conveys the image of a delicate, but strong, silken thread connecting the crysalis to a tree branch. The pattern in this jasper is formed from tiny sea shells on an ancient sea bed surrounded by a light brown matrix and compressed by intense pressure into a stunning stone that takes a very high polish. . Patterning suggests an explosion of fireworks and confetti - truely the drama of a celebration. What new beginnings do you desire to celebrate? Simple, yet dramatic, this pendant works well with evening attire or jeans-casual. Price: $185.00
 Title: "Ribbon Candy" 2005, Fabricated Pendant, Sterling, "Ribbon Agate" and agate cabochons. The Pendant measures 2.5" by 1.25 " and is sold without the neckband. Textured vines wrap around the cabochon and embrace the free-swinging inverted triangle. The pendant is bold but small enough for those who do not want to make too strong a jewelry statement. The inverted triangle has been hammered to give a subtle, yet dramatic texture. This piece is a blend of organic and geometric in balanced harmony. Appropriate for formal or casual wear. Price: $185.00
 Title: "Sanctuary", Fabricated Pendant 2005,Fine Silver and Ancient Roman Glass Caterpiller. The pendant measures 1.5" by 1.5" and is accompanied by a 16" sterling double cable sterling chain. Glass has held fascination for centuries and has been used in countless ways as personal adornment. This rare fragment of Roman glass came from the Bethlehem region of Israel and dates from Circa 100BC to 1500AD. Many ancient Roman glass fragements are uncovered by being plowed up in fields and washed clean by the rain. Farmers sell them to antiquities dealers and they make their way to those of us who use them in our creative designs. These are the fragements with intense color. The shimmering silvers and blue-greens on the "caterpiller" are formed by impurities in the glass reacting with chemicals in the soil and sunlight over thousands of years. The rounded shape was undoubtedly the product of intense fire sometime in the ancient past. Few ancient glass fragements have the color and drama of this one making it a rare and treasured find. The caterpiller is perched on actual, Pennsylvannia maple leaf impressions in fine silver. This is a visual conversation piece that attracts quiet attention. Price: $225.00
 Title: "Treasured Field", Fabricated Pendant, Sterling, Ancient Roman Glass and Fresh Water Pearl. The pendant measures 2" by 2.5" and is accompanied by a 18" Sterling Byzantine Chain. This piece of ancient glass in bezel mounting has spectacular greeny-gold patina shimmering across it's surface. Organic in design, the pendant interprets an ancient parable of finding a hidden treasure in a field and selling all one owns to purchase the field. The ancient glass is "buried" deep within the pendant ready to be found and treasured by someone special. Hand-fashioned grapevines and leaves twine through the piece giving connection between the ancient glass and the visible and much more obvious pearl. It is often our hidden qualities that are the richer and more valuable aspects of our lives. This pendant connects the ancient past and the inner mysteries of one's own personhood and is an obvious choice for a simple evening gown or cocktail dress. Price: $395.00
 Title: "Firebird", Fabricated Pendant/Pin, Sterling, 14k Gold, "Flame" Agate, Cubic Zircon. The pendant measures 2" by 1" and is sold without the neckband. There is much more to this pendant than a pretty bauble. Punctuated by the bold "Flame Agate", a drama is being played out in wings and flame. We have all experienced failure in our lives, whether small or large. Conquering that failure is what builds our character. The flames above are hand carved into the sterling silver and then 14k gold is married to it in a fusing process. The wings below symbolize new life after the "fire". Anchoring the visual imagery is the CZ representing the diamond of character that is shaped in the failure and recovered process. And all of this is played out in a very visually fascinating pendant. Firebird is appropriate for casual or formal wear. Remove the neckband or chain and insert a fastener into the hidden bail and Firebird converts to a pin/broach. Price: $225.00 |
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