I enjoy the process of starting with something I see outside and challenging myself to recreate that object using silver and gemstones.  Each piece and every component is hand fabricated; nothing comes from a mold or is cast

Everything is made from either sterling silver sheet or differing thickness (gauges) of sterling silver wire

Soldering is a key component to jewelry making.  The goal is to heat the solder up to just the right temperature to flow.  Too much heat will cause the silver to melt and ruin the piece. 

I often will take a leaf (such as the Dandelion leaf here) flower or blossom and glue it directly onto silver.  Each component is sawed out from the silver using very small saw blades.  

Texturing and Shaping

There are many different ways to texture and and shape silver.  Among the techniques I generally use are engraving , fusing, carving, stamping and hammering to add texture, shape and interest to a piece