Etched Sterling Cuff Bees on a Vine

Etching is a fun but time-consuming process. I print my design on special paper, then burnish the pattern onto heated sheet silver. After peeling off the paper, the silver sheet is floated on an acid bath. The exposed metal gets etched with the design. After I have achieved a deep enough etch the silver is neutralized and the blue design is scrubbed off with a solvent.

With the Bee Cuff, I cut the piece out of the sheet metal with a jeweler's saw, then filed and smoothed all sides with sandpaper. The sterling silver was polished then painted with patina to make the pattern stand out with vibrant blues, greens, and reflective purple/red. The bracelet was formed on a mandrel and hammered into place.

The pattern features bees on a vine. I love the industrious honey bee. What would we do without them pollinating our plants? Their numbers have been decimated by pesticides and viruses. Some of my friends have beehives which is really cool.

Dimensions: 6 inches x 1 inch. It is open-ended so should fit any wrist size. 

PLEASE NOTE: This cuff has sold. I can create another one of this pattern if you wish to purchase it.