Leaf and rain drops

[alastairduncan]

This is the brooch that I've had some trouble setting the round CZ, due to my inexperience with flush setting.

It is sterling silver and transparent champleve enamel which has been engraved to 2 levels so that I could get some ribs on the leaf. The rough cutting down to the 2 levels was engraved using a home made pneumatic assist system, the fine lines were hand push engraved. I wanted to see if I could get a 3 dimensional look on a flat piece of silver. The pear CZ is bezel set with hammer and punch. The overall length is around 62mm. I think the enamel blending could have been better, if I had used a bit more water to facilitate the mixing of the colours the graduation between the colours would have been better. After applying the enamel it was ground down flat with a carborundum stone and refired to regain the glaze.

[CJ57]

This is the brooch that I've had some trouble setting the round CZ, due to my inexperience with flush setting.

It is sterling silver and transparent champleve enamel which has been engraved to 2 levels so that I could get some ribs on the leaf. The rough cutting down to the 2 levels was engraved using a home made pneumatic assist system, the fine lines were hand push engraved. I wanted to see if I could get a 3 dimensional look on a flat piece of silver. The pear CZ is bezel set with hammer and punch. The overall length is around 62mm. I think the enamel blending could have been better, if I had used a bit more water to facilitate the mixing of the colours the graduation between the colours would have been better. After applying the enamel it was ground down flat with a carborundum stone and refired to regain the glaze.

That is gorgeous, what a wonderful flowing form

[Dennis]

That's beautiful high end jewellery, Alastair. You can be well pleased with that. Dennis.

[alastairduncan]

That is gorgeous, what a wonderful flowing form

Thank you Caroline, I'm glad you like it.



That's beautiful high end jewellery, Alastair. You can be well pleased with that

Thank you Dennis, I will be pleased as long as the round stone does not fall out ;)

[china]

Nothing to complain about there it is "You Beaut" as we say down here, makes me want to start playing wit enamel again.

[Petal]

Its absolutely stunning Alistair; more so because you had a few challenges to make it.

[alastairduncan]

Nothing to complain about there it is "You Beaut" as we say down here, makes me want to start playing wit enamel again.

Thank you Bob. Enamel is a fickle mistress.


Its absolutely stunning Alistair; more so because you had a few challenges to make it.

Thank you Jules

[mizgeorge]

I absolutely love it! And I see more bird than leaf (in the very nicest way!)
A triumph - you should be very pleased with yourself.

[alastairduncan]

I absolutely love it!
Thank you.


I see more bird than leaf (in the very nicest way!)

Yes 2 designs for the price of one ;-) it all came about when I decided that a further rain drop might look nice but did not draw up the design. After I had engraved down to the first level I showed my wife and she just laughed and said nice bird! It looked like a bird to me as well. It looks less like a bird finished, it's about 50/50 between those that think it's a bird and those that think it's a leaf. I think the moral of the story is: take the time to draw up changes and you are less likely to be surprised :)

[TDA20]

It's a stunning piece Alastair, I love it!
Tess

[Animalnutty]

This is just stunning. Definitely a two for one design, I can see both bird and leaf. The colours are just beautiful. Sounds like it was a very time consuming piece to make, but so worth the effort. Karen

[alastairduncan]

It's a stunning piece Alastair, I love it!

Thank you Tess.


This is just stunning. Definitely a two for one design, I can see both bird and leaf. The colours are just beautiful. Sounds like it was a very time consuming piece to make, but so worth the effort.

Thank you Karen. I'm very lucky not to have to worry about how long it takes, I don't have to earn a living, I'm very aware that many members on the list are in a different position.

I think the most time consuming part is the engraving.

[Sandra]

How gorgeous! I stopped in the forum today to look up enamelling tips but instead got distracted by your amazing work!

[alastairduncan]

Thank you Sandra, I'm pleased you like it. 🙂

[josef1]

That's a lovely looking.