Nickel silver on copper.

NICKEL SILVER ON COPPER $38.00 – Item#BC810SONC SOLD

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Features the Chinese symbols for “serenity.” Each individual necklace is made by hand (process explained, below) and measures 1-inch across (image enlarged to show details). Hung on 18-inch dark brown leather cord with clasp. Due to the creation process, pendants may vary slightly from the one shown here. Monitors vary, so color may appear slightly different in person, or under different light conditions. Gift boxed.

Several metal combinations are available. Click on the images below to order other varieties.

Brass on copper.

Copper on nickel silver.

Nickel silver on brass.

HOW I MAKE THEM

First, I drew by hand my own version of the Chinese “serenity” symbol, which I had made into a small rubber stamp.

In making the pendants, I begin by stamping each metal disk with the symbol, then I ink back over it by hand with a fine-tipped permanent marker to create a strong, dark image. The disks are submerged in a solution of ferric chloride, and this acid etches away anything not covered by ink. After an hour or two (depending on the strength of the acid and the type of metal) the disk is removed and the acid neutralized with baking soda.

The disks are rinsed, sanded, and then domed by hand using a ball-peen hammer and small anvil. To some of the pendants, I apply silver black, an oxidizing agent. This “ages” them, making them darker and enhancing the characters. Charms are available without oxidizing, as well.

Then I rinse, sand and polish the disks again. The larger metal disk, used for the base, is also domed by hand, and then the smaller and larger disks are riveted together — again, by hand, using the ball-peen hammer and anvil.

The resulting pendant has a more primitive, handmade look than items which are machine-made or laser engraved.

A hole is punched for the jump ring, and then the finished pendant is hung on a length of dark brown leather cord, to which a clasp is added.

From start to finish, a single pendant like this takes several hours to create.

Filed under: Browncoats