
Etching is a fun but time consuming process. You start out with sheet silver. You choose your pattern, in this case from my Indian design book, and print it on special paper. You burnish the design on to the heated metal and then peel off the paper. The silver sheet is then floated on an acid bath. The exposed metal gets etched with the selected pattern. After you have achieved a deep enough etch the silver is neutralized and the blue design is scrubbed off with a solvent.
I cut the rectangle out using a jeweler's saw. The piece was filed, sandpapered and polished to make it shiny and smooth. I soldered bailes onto the back for the chain. The horse and rider were painted with patina to give blue and green colors for accent.
This is a handsome Unisex pendant which could be worn by anyone.
Dimensions : 1 and 3/4 inches X 1 and 1/4 inches. 18 inch sterling silver box chain.
PLEASE NOTE : This piece just sold. I can create a custom piece the next time I have an etching session.