I cast this regally beautiful necklace in fine silver from a portion of an antique button. The gracefully curving triangular shape is evocative of shields from a heraldry gone by. Elegant plumes radiate from each corner of a light blue faceted tanzanite trillion. The reverse side features a dainty floral paisley pattern.
While the clay was still wet I embedded a kiln safe genuine tanzanite and then fired the piece in my kiln. Once fired in my kiln the clay transforms into pure sterling silver and it is burnished for several hours, I then oxidize and buff it to bring out contrast and detail, burnish it again, and finally hand polish. I then assemble the necklace with sterling silver cable chain and 3" extender, and a spring ring clasp. The shield shaped centerpiece measures 5/8" and the necklace measures 16" long with a 3" extender for a total of 19" long.
Tanzanite is a lovely gentle blue gemstone that is thought to be a transformational talisman, associated with tranquility and clarity, that embodies potentialities unrealized.