A recently commissioned creation from my jewelry bench features an oval, jasper cabochon. Tones of blue and green echo sea and land in this lovely earth stone. The frame and prong setting allow for maximum reveal of its subtle details and colors.
I created a dimensional triangle bale using hollow form construction. Flat sterling silver sheet is fabricated in such a way so that flat sheet becomes dimensional when folded over. This dimensional aspect allows the box chain to run through the triangular bale. A lobster claw clasp secures the box chain at the back of the necklace.
All materials are sterling silver unless otherwise noted.
Terms of interest for those who may be courious:
BALE: a critical jewelry component often a metal loop or clasp that is used to attach a pendant, charm or stone to a necklace or chain. It sits at the top of the pendant, allowing it to hang properly, move freely and connect seamlessly to the chain. Bales also act as decorative elements, sontetimes featuring diamonds or gems. or intricate designs.
CABOCHON (pronounced cab-uh shon) is defined a a stone or other material that has been shaped and polished as opposed to a faceted stone. It generally has a domed top, a walled side and a flat bottom. Known as “cabs” they are usually opaque or translucent and know for highlighing color, pattern or special effects.
JASPER an opaque impure variety of microcrystalline quartz (silica) that forms in distinct bands, nodules or filling fissures in sedimentary and volcanic rocks. It is often referred to as a “micro granular” or cryptocrystalline” mineral, meaning its quartz crystals are too small to be seen without high magnification. Jasper comes in a wide variety of opaque colors, including red, yellow brown green and occasionally blue.
