Turquoise and Antique Glass

NFS

Turquoise, found antique glass, sterling silver.

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This piece was inspired by the Girandole style jewellery of 17th and 18th century which was originally inspired by ornate chandeliers and candle holders. This jewellery often started out as large heavy earrings and through time they were often lost or separated and converted into pendants and brooches.

The turquoise in this piece came from the one rock. It has been in my collection for a long time and I had neglected to label it. I believe it may be non-stabilised material from Arizona. I love its pale shades of blue; it was such a joy to cut and polish and see its transformation! It paired so well with the colour of this old glass I also cut like cabochons. Finding historic glass is like finding precious treasure to me. I have collected it my whole life. I especially love the colours and when I found this colour it was like striking gold! It’s so special to me that I wanted it to feature like a precious gemstone in this piece.