Garnet & sapphire rata kaleidoscope earrings

These bold drop earrings are solid sterling silver with hand set natural garnets and natural golden sapphires in a star set style.
My Kaleidoscope collection draws on the colours of nature and mesmerises with the shapes within shapes.
The red garnets represent the rata flowers and the golden sapphires represent the golden tips of pollen exploding from the dramatic stamens.
I have had the base of these earrings cast from a hand carved mould. Then I drill and burr out the holes for the gemstones which have to be exactly the same size and shape of each individual gem, this is the tricky bit because if I take away even a fraction too much metal, I can’t put it back and the gem won’t be set well. Once I have the gemstone seated perfectly, I burnish the metal down onto it, to lock it in (no glue is ever involved) For the finishing touch, I hand engrave the details to make the texture with my graver. I love engraving with a handheld graver; the process, the simplicity, the skill and the result. You just can’t get that hand crafted feel with laser cut or cast or CAD techniques.
The discs are 15mm across and 4mm thick, the back is hollowed out a bit to keep them light.
All components are also sterling silver, including the earwires.
Enjoy a rare piece of jewellery that is made with skill and passion.
Thank you for your interest in my work,
Adele