Etched Aztec Griffin head

I etched this from my Aztec Design book. A Griffin or Gryphon is found in all world mythologies. It is considered to symbolize power, prestige and courage.

Etching is a fun but time consuming process. You start out with sheet silver. You choose your pattern, in this case from my Aztec design book. You burnish the design on to the heated metal. The silver sheet is then floated on an acid bath. The exposed metal gets etched with the pattern. The metal is then floated in a neutralizing bath. 

The piece was cut away from the surrounding metal using a jeweler's saw. The edges were filed and sanded to make them smooth and soft. The pendant was heated several times to bring the pure silver up to the surface. 24K Gold foil was burnished on. This ancient Korean technique is called Keum boo. Patina was painted on for added color and accent. I was pleased to get my favorite blue and coppery colors.

Dimensions : 1 inch X 1 and 1/4 inch. Sterling silver chain.