The idea
These copper, silver, and labradorite earrings begin with transformation.
I always save my metal scraps – mainly pieces of wire which have been cut, broken or twisted beyond repair. I am just starting to use a torch and I tried to melt some of the wire leftovers. The result was lovely copper and silver balls. Collected them in a box. What to do with them? What is the most fun when working with metal? Hammering. So of course I would hammer them. 😁
And I did. The result were lovely hand forged discs with irregular organic forms. Which would of course connect to each other.
The trials
Here’s a video of how I made circles:
Pierced every disc twice except one which would be in the bottom.
Hammered some more giving them a domed shape so they could magically capture the light.
Connected them with copper rings and just felt there should be something more added to them. A gemstone. Tried some and nothing felt right. Then I remembered I had irregular shaped natural labradorite stones. They just clicked.
Labradorite is a fascinating stone because its surface can show flashes of blue and green light. This process is even named after the stone itself – labradorescence. Some stones have, some don’t. These ones are not of the highest quality but they do have it. They’re imperfect and captivating.
The ear wires
Loved the structure I got. Irregular shaped. With hammer marks. Reminding of the human hands behind it. But now it was time for the ear hooks.
Just felt they should be different than the standard shape to complete the design. They should be circular as the discs were. Also, when seen from the side they would repeat the shape of the rings which connect the discs.
Made them. Loved them. Connected them with the dangling structures. Bliss.
The finished earrings
Polished a lot. Spent some time turning them under the sun, moving them, watching them.
Then protected them with Rennaisance wax.
The elements are carefully connected into a lightweight dangle design, balancing the warm glow of copper, the brightness of silver, and the mysterious flashes of labradorite. The finished earrings are then protected with Renaissance wax, helping preserve the beauty of the metals while allowing them to develop a natural character over time.
For me, creating jewelry is not only about making something beautiful to wear. I love giving materials a second life. And I appreciate that I have the opportunity to express myself in such an interesting way.
These earrings are a celebration of recycled materials and the beauty of handmade imperfection.
They have already been sold but I’m planning to craft a new pair soon.
If you’re interested in buying my handmade pieces of jewelry, check out the available ones at my Etsy store. If you are in Bulgaria, want to make a custom request, or just ask me something, you can also write to me here:
