Works in Progress...

I've just darkened this ring and two pendants in a solution of liver of sulfur. The next steps will entail polishing the sterling silver so the darkened patina recedes into the background while the foreground is brought to a lighter, brighter finish. Only when I'm pleased with the results, will the gemstones be set into place. I plan to have the blood jasper tongue-shaped stone dangle from the round prayer box pendant, which will hold the carved conus shell, although I'm tempted to create a third horizontal pendant that will hang between the two of them. As in opera, a project is never finished until the curtain goes down or in the case of jewelry-making, the work is adorning my person!