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One of the most beautiful and desired types of metal work is the silver filigree. The intricate nature is what has attracted people to the design element for well over 500 years. The traditional method, which consists of twisting threads of gold or silver into a unique motif, is typically used in an array of artistic pieces made in Asia, particularly Indonesia and India. In more modern times, some of the world’s finest jewelers have taken to using the method to enhance their works. Today, filigree is used in a number of contexts to describe anything considered delicate, intricate and elaborate.
In keeping with a recent theme that we have unwittingly created, we are going to show you our process in creating a pair of earrings inspired by filigree works of art found in India (you might recall that our protection amulet in the making was also inspired by the metal works of India). As we briefly mentioned above, filigree typically involves twisted threads made of gold and silver. These threads are created by pouring melted metal into molds shaped as small rods. Once cooled, the rods are then pressed to form thin, long wires. These wires are then pressed flat, molded, strung or soldered.
Our earrings will ultimately be cast, so our process will go about a little differently. As we showed you in the last few posts and as you can see here, our pieces generally start off with a drawing and a wax carving. After the carving is all finished, the piece graduates casting process, which is similar to what we mentioned in our Protection Amulet post found here.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we post the finished product for these earrings and our protection amulet. Keep in mind that we haven’t even named these pieces yet!
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 India has long been known for the art of metal working—dating back almost 5000 years. The 4500-year-old statuette of a dancing girl from the ancient Harappan town of Mohenjo-Daro is a beautiful example of their ancient work. Traditionally, Indian craftsmen use an array of different metals like iron, copper, silver and alloys like bronze, bell metal, and white metal to produce items ranging from pots, pans, and utensils, to photo frames, sculptures of deities, and mythological figures and animals.
During the Chola dynasty in Southern India the art of metalworking reached great heights. The Chola craftsmen were masters at making bronze sculptures. These sculptures were usually made with the “lost wax casting” technique. This casting method begins with a hand carved wax mold of the piece, moves to covering the model with clay, and finally pouring molten metal through a hole at the top of the clay model causing the wax to melt.
Often made using the technique described above, people have worn Indian Protection Amulets for thousands of years—believing in the power of these amulets to bring health and good fortune as well as ward off evil.
We are in the process of creating our own version of a protection amulet inspired by the ancient metal working of India. It all starts with a block of wax and a drawing:
Here you have the basic shape of the amulet cut out and carved:
You will notice in this picture that more details are making their way into the wax:
Follow us in the next few days as we keep up with the process of our hand carved protection amulet. The pay off will be seeing the final product!
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Avindy will be at the Leftover Luxuries event that starts this weekend in Miami Circle. We are bringing tons of jewelry marked down up to 75%. Make sure you come out. This is the event you have been waiting for!!!!
Atlanta
February 24th - March 3rd
Miami Circle - Buckhead
more info
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Because we are so appreciative to have had so much succss with our jewelry in the past 10 years, we have decided to dedicate the month of February to "Sharing the Love" for the retailers that have been instrumental in our journey. We honestly can't do it without them. They give us places around the world to showcase our intricate pieces of art. We are so thankful to have these store full of people who, as we have found in our interviews we did for this campaign, love our jewelry as much as we do. Keep in mind as you read this series that if you don't notice a store near you in these "Share the Love" blogs, you can always find one by using our store locator.
 Now, let's get this show on the road with The Silverado Jewelry Gallery located in Saratoga Springs, New York. Having celebrated 10 years in 2011, Silverado's history is a little different than one might expect when it comes to the jewelry industry. That's because the owners of Silverado spent a combined 50 years learning and teaching Sales/Marketing and Customer service before owning a business. When they opened Silverado, they had a strong understanding that running a business is far more than just displaying pretty stuff in some nice cases. Their goal was to not only showcase and sell beautiful handcrafted jewelry, but also to establish a business for "The Customer" by sharing a lifetime of customer service knowledge with the staff. The result is a warm and friendly shopping experience, for the customer, along with a positive and educational work environment for the staff. It's a win win when you shop for jewelry here!
Not only is their customer service amazing, but their gallery is absolutely jaw dropping. The facility typically shows original works from over 50 different Artists; some are Icons in the industry, and some well kept secrets. They have a very interesting mix of artists from locations near and far, including New York, Vermont, Durango, Phoenix, San Francisco, Chicago, Paris, Hollywood, Canada, Israel, Germany and many more!
Silverado, has been selling Avindy pieces for about 2 1/2 years now. When we asked Whitney, Silverado's buyer, why they love Avindy, she told us, "The exceptional quality and diverse artistic design drew us to carry Avindy in the first place and continues to be one of the main reasons we love it so much!" Awwwww! We are totally blushing right now. When it comes to what their customers like, Silverado cites that they sell so many beautiful and unique Avindy pieces over and over again, but our "Pave Diamond" Circle of Life Ring continues to be their best seller! Whitney has heard it straight from the customers mouth that the ring's subtle beauty and the way it shows diamonds in this same subtle yet striking way is why people love it so much. Whitney also happens to have a favorite piece of her own, our diamond love letter slider bracelet, which we don't carry on our website anymore, but is similar to our diamond medallion slider bracelet found here. Seems there are perks to being a jewelry buyer. Not only do you get to spend your days searching out sparlky jewelry, you also get to be the first wear it if you want to. What a life!
We hope you enjoyed this feature! If you are in the Saratoga area of New York, make sure you stop by Silverado. There is no doubt you will be awe struck by their service, facility and selection of handmade Avindy jewelry.
www.silveradonewyork.com
446 Broadway
Saratoga Springs NY, 12866
(518)-584-1044
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