It would be an understatement to say that these new gothic monogram pendants are among my favorites! Each time I finish one, I find myself completely enamored. I adore the elegant style of the lettering and the substantial feel of these beautifully pressed pieces.
I crafted these using a die striking method, which involves a steel die featuring an impression and a powerful 20-ton hydraulic press. This technique for creating jewelry was nearing extinction until Potter USA stepped in and acquired many of the steel die companies that were closing down. Their efforts revitalized this beautiful art form, allowing jewelry artists like myself to continue utilizing this remarkable method.
I create these pendants by first melting scrap sterling silver into a round ingot. Next, I use a hydraulic press to shape the molten silver into the impression die. This process involves a cycle of annealing the metal and pressing it to achieve the best possible impression. Once shaped, I refine the edges and attach a jump ring for the chain. The final touch involves applying a patina to darken the letters and polishing the piece to perfection.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and they display the amount of love and care that goes into making them.