About the Item

Ginkgo and Pearl Necklace

This statement necklace is made of freshwater cultured pearls with a ginkgo clasp of fine silver, sterling silver, 14k gold-filled findings and 24k gold foil applied with the keum boo method. I have long loved the combination of pearls with contrasting patinated fine silver and gold leaf, and was happy to have a chance to play with these materials for this event! It is the product of studying other artists' explorations along with thoughts in the moments before sleep at night and the moments waking in the morning!

The necklace is 19" long with pearls that are .75" to 1" wide and a clasp that is 1.5" x 1.5".

About the Artist

Twelve years ago, after a career as a professional musician, I started exploring visual art in metalsmithing. I loved studying the stylistic periods in visual arts just as I had earlier studied these periods in music. Much of my work is botanical and organic in subject, with more recent abstract explorations. Studies in metalsmithing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have provided a foundation for developing a body of work and establishing my jewelry business, Berkshire Creations.

As a metalsmith, I have the pleasure of working with some of the most beautiful materials - gold, silver, copper, brass, bronze, steel, plus mixed media - to fabricate objects that I hope can be enjoyed for a lifetime. And of course, I love to employ color in my work for the energy it can inject or mood it can create or symbolism it can imply - without using even one word! I have explored the use of patinas, PrismaColor pencils, and lately enamels and gold leaf to add unique splashes of color and pattern.

I've come to think that making and selling a piece of jewelry creates a collaboration with the person who wears it, because the symbolism and context of any piece of jewelry ultimately lies with that person. A butterfly, for example, can mean transformation to some people, nature's processes to others, and grace and liveliness to still others. The wearer has the unique opportunity to choose their own meaning. Of course, I hope that my design choices and careful craftsmanship encourage them in positive directions.

@berkshire.creations

Shipping Information

Shipping costs are calculated at the end of the auction. Fees are determined by size and weight of items. Keep in mind that large or heavy items will incur higher shipping fees. Alternately, items may be picked up in person at the Metal Museum.