My process:
My jewelry designs are first forged and shaped into a sterling silver armature. To the armature I add various combinations of mixed metal wires, which may include 18K yellow gold, sterling silver, 14K gold filled, and/or anodized niobium. Rhythmic patterns emerge as I wrap with thread sized fine silver or 18K yellow gold. To prevent the wrapping from unraveling the piece is then hard soldered . Filing, sanding , tumbling, and polishing complete the piece.
About anodized niobium:
Niobium is the colored wire pictured in many of my pieces. It is a gray reactive metal that can be colored with heat. For predictable color results I choose to brush anodize, run electrical current through, the niobium rather than heat it with a torch. Under normal jewelry studio conditions reactive metal cannot be hard soldered.
All of these jewelry pieces are individually made to order, therefore in most instances they can be customized to your specifications.
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