The Making of a Sterling Silver Seal Tooth Pendant: A Journey in Wire Tooth and Stone
Today, I'm thrilled to share an in-depth look at the creation of a truly unique sterling silver wire-wrapped pendant. This piece marries the raw macabre beauty of a large harbor seal tooth with the vibrant hues of two distinct gemstones: a striking oval red coral cabochon and a sleek faceted round onyx.
The Vision and the Components
Our journey began with a vision to encase a significant harbor seal tooth within an intricate sterling silver wire-wrapped design. The tooth itself is a focal point, showcasing its natural form. The smooth, lustrous enamel is still visible at the bottom, hinting at its origin, while the reverse side deliberately exposes a section of its porous root, offering a tactile connection to its natural history.
I carefully selected the accompanying gemstones to complement the tooth. I chose a vibrant oval red coral cabochon, bringing a bold pop of color and an organic feel, paired with a classic faceted round onyx, adding a touch of sophisticated black contrast. These cabochon components were given a new life, having been up-cycled from a broken earring, adding a layer of sustainable artistry to the piece.
Below, you can see some of the key components laid out on the jeweler's bench, ready for transformation. This initial setup gives a glimpse into the individual elements before they come together as a cohesive piece.
Okay, so once I had all my individual components ready – the up-cycled red coral and onyx bezels, and of course, that fantastic seal tooth – the real fun began: the assembly!
This is where inspiration, balance, and function all truly came into play. My goal was to create a sterling silver wire-wrapped framework that would not only securely hold everything but also complement the unique shapes of the tooth and stones.
I spent a lot of time arranging and rearranging, finding that perfect visual balance where the vibrant coral and deep onyx nestled just right around the tooth, allowing each element to shine without overwhelming the others.
Beyond just looking good, every bend and weave of the wire had a purpose – ensuring the pendant was sturdy enough for everyday wear, comfortable against the skin, and that the bail at the top would hold a chain perfectly.
It's a delicate dance of artistry and engineering, and seeing all those separate pieces transform into a cohesive, wearable piece is always incredibly satisfying.
The final result is a sterling silver pendant that tells a story. It’s a piece that blends the raw beauty of nature with the refined artistry of handcrafted jewelry.
