From selecting stones to Cowboys and Indians Magazine
Creating our one-of-a-kind Flower Cuff with Sleeping Beauty Turquoise requires many steps behind the scenes. All these steps take patience, skill and pride in a finished bracelet that eventually got featured in Cowboys and Indians Magazine.
The first step is selecting and separating stones, and that means grouping stones whose shape and size complement each other. We only buy stones that have their natural color intact, which means no enhancement. We give you what Mother Nature created.
This particular bracelet takes 7 stones. Once the stones are selected, a unique sterling silver mold is created. This mold is specific to those 7 individual stones.
The next step is to oxidize the entire mold. A piece of blackened or oxidized silver is true sterling silver, but its surface has been intentionally darkened by introducing it to a chemical process. This patina, a surface color that occurs when the silver is introduced to sulfides, is a sped up version of the natural tarnishing process. A layer of silver sulfide forms on the exterior of the metal giving it a blackened look.
Once the mold is oxidized completely, the seven stones are mounted. This bracelet only has an oxidized background, which means the half beads, the outside edge of the molds holding the stones and the back of the pendant are given a high polish shine.
Finally, the back of the mold is soldered to three half cane strands that allow for this piece to be a bracelet. We don't want to run the risk of any of the stones coming loose with regular wear. This is why the mold is independent of the three strands of silver that create the cuff. One could open and close, and adjust the cuff to one's wrist without the danger of stones coming off.
The pendant to match this cuff also requires the same process and dedication to excellence.
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