Pendant Persimmon Calyx Blue Sapphire

Persimmon Calyx can be found under the Persimmon tree. Fortunately for me, my friend has a tree and gives me fruit every year which is delicious. I crawled under her tree to gather the calyx. I selected one I liked and cleaned it to remove mud and dust. I then painted it with silver paste the consistency of cream. There were 10 coats with complete drying between each coat.

I made a decorative Baile using silver clay to suspend the pendant. A silver bezel was created and the lab sapphire was embedded in it. The piece was fired in the kiln. The organic calyx burned away and a pure 999 silver piece emerged. I burnished  portions of the calyx with 24K Gold foil for a mixed metal look. Silver and gold fused together, a process called Keum Boo. I painted the tips of the 4 calyx leaves with patina till I got the shimmery blue and purple shades.

Dimensions:  The pendant is 2 and 1/2 inches across either way. The neck wire is sterling silver with a hidden clasp which gives the piece a regal look. It is 17" long.

PLEASE NOTE: This piece just sold. I can create a Custom piece for you if you wish.