Athena Earrings | #8
Athena Earrings | #8
Couldn't load pickup availability
“Stand beside me, Athena, fire me with daring, fierce as the day we ripped Troy’s glittering crown of towers down. Stand by me – furious now as then, my bright-eyed one – and I would fight three hundred men, great goddess, with you to brace me, comrade-in-arms in battle!”
– Homer
Bright and bold earrings for that glimmering goddess of wisdom, peace, and diplomacy, the adored patroness of Athens, feared even by Ares, god of War. Athena visited Odysseus often in his travels, counseling him when his hubris put others in danger, aiding him in escapes.
Last year, I read an article about how the Parthenon, the great temple for Athena, was originally engineered so that the inside of the temple was usually dim and shadowy. But then at certain special times of the year, light would filter through the temple at the perfect angle, setting the giant gold and ivory statue of Athena aglow with golden light, as though she stepped down from Olympus as that very moment.
And so these earrings are my ode to bright and shining Athena.
They are made of glowing Botswana agate, some with wisps of white like stratus clouds set afire at sunset. The backs of the earrings have windows sawn out to let the light stream through. And there are carefully sawn brass suns framing the backs of each earring.
And below each earring are brass coins, textured to reflect light and feel ancient. Earrings made of sunshine and lore.
These earrings measure about 2.25" from top of the ring to the bottom of the coin.
Made in my smithing studio using time consuming, age-old metalsmithing techniques. This piece is made with solid craftsmanship and all parts of this piece have been hand-fabricated.
______________________________________________
All of the pieces in my collections are handmade and hand-finished, and make use of natural and recycled materials. All items will have slight, natural imperfections rendering each piece unique. It is these variations and imperfections which denote their handcrafted nature and individual character, specially made for every wearer.
______________________________________________
To create my antiqued pieces, the sterling silver is oxidize until dark gray. Oxidation is a process that happens over time naturally to sterling silver. Then the piece is brushed and polished until the highlights are lighter and the lowlights are darkened. But this oxidization is not permanent, and will fade in the areas that rub, and stay dark in the recesses. The patina will change over time, making your piece unique to you.