Before, during, and after the firing of silver jewelry

There are a ton of things in work on my work bench right now.  I'm getting ready for my second art show out of three this year.  The next one is April 21st. on Dauphin Island, Alabama at the St. Francis Episcopal Church, on Key Street.  If you'll be in the area, come see us!

I'm working on some new silver pendants amongst other things such as polymer.  Here are some photos of some silver pendants I made fresh out of the kiln prior to polishing, after polishing, and finally after a patina has been applied.

This first photo is a Hummingbird pendant that I hand carved.  The photo shows what it looks like prior to firing.

Here it is again after firing, fresh out of the kiln with two other pendants.

And here are all three after they have been scratch brushed prior to tumbling and polishing.

Here they are after tumbling.  Tumbling work hardens the silver and gives it the initial polish.

Finally, here they are after I gave them a patina and their final polish.

I like to add a patina because it give each piece more definition and brings out the details.  A patina can always be taken away though.  All you have to do is refire the piece and give it a new polish.

So, what do you think?

Have a great day!

Janie