Circe Earrings | #3
Circe Earrings | #3
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Named for that powerful demi-goddess who dwelt on the island of Aeaea, wandering the sun-drenched Mediterranean cliffsides gathering herbs for her charms. Mixing potions by candlelight and singing softly to the transmogrified figures lounging in the shadows.
She was a fascinating figure of myth, endlessly reimagined in art and literature. Her depictions often mirrored contemporary attitudes towards women living outside societal norms.
At times, Circe was depicted as a jealous shrew driven by petty meanness, as when she transformed the innocent Scylla into an ocean monster. Surreptitious and manipulative.
And at others times, we see her as a brilliant magic-weaver, seemingly justified in her persecution of men. Some writers over the centuries even viewed her transmogrification magic as a kindness, with many of the animals refusing to be changed back into men when given the opportunity.
Circe is endlessly reimagined and open to interpretation. But what we do know is that she lived entirely on her own terms, her autonomy bolstered by her innate power and mastery of her craft. Dried flowers hanging from cedar beams, and hearth-smoke wafting through the sunshine.
These earrings are made from glowing amethyst gemstone studs suspended above unique Maligano jaspers. Some are grey and bouldery, others like sun-cracked sandstone. On the backs of the jaspers are silhouettes of small flowers, low-growing plants clinging to a windswept cliff.
These earrings are made with a bit of transmogrification ability of their own! They were made so that you can wear them with the jasper gemstones in front of the earlobe, or in back as in an ear jacket, or even as studs alone.
* Can be worn as ear jackets, or as studs without the dangle. These earrings measure about 1.5" from top of the stud to the bottom of the earring.
[I had planned to made some simple studs and necklaces to go along with these earrings, but by the time I decided I had used all the gemstones in earrings! So I was only able to make one necklace and one pair of studs, which I will be offering as a set.]
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.
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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.
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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.