Medieval British Dog Pendant

I etched this pattern onto sterling silver using a design from my British Medieval Art book. The pattern was first copied onto blue PNP or Press and Peel paper. This was burnished onto heated sterling silver sheet to transfer the image. It was placed in an acid bath to etch. After the etch was deep enough it was put in a neutralizing solution and then a cleaning solution. The pattern was cut out of the sterling silver using a jeweler's saw then heated 6 times and cleaned each time in a mild acid to bring the pure silver to the surface. After further refining 24K Gold foil was burnished onto the heated silver, an ancient Korean technique called Keum Boo. Patina was painted on for color accent. 

The artwork is unusual showing a seated dog raising it's head. The gold foil was burnished on its head and ear and the body and legs were painted with patina.

This particular design is from the 9th century. It reminds me of some of the artwork in my Aztec design book.

Dimensions : 2 inches long 1 inch high.

I decided to put it on a delicate sterling silver 18 inch chain with a magnetic clasp.