Carnelian Heart Cross

Crosses come in all shapes and sizes, simple, as well as detailed and artistic. I used a template for this cross which has an intricate pattern. It had a heart in the center but instead I decided to place a carnelian stone in a bezel in that spot. I also created a decorative Baile at the top for the chain to go through.

I started out with silver clay pressed into the template to pick up the texture of the design. After cutting it out, drying it and refining it with a flexible sanding pad it went into the kiln for 2 hours at 1650F. What emerged was pure silver. I burnished portions of it with 24K Gold foil, an ancient Korean technique called Keum boo. I painted patina on it for more contrast. I set the stone which gave it the appearance of a red heart.

Dimensions: 1 and 1/2 inches X almost 1 inch. Sterling silver chain.