Chest plate Necklace

Chest plate necklace.

 

This is my last step of this project, and this is how it came out 'the final look'. This chest plate necklace includes 3 large squares with negative spaces on the inside made with brass, 2 medium squares made with silver, 3 small squares on the edges made with silver, and lastly a chain made with silver jump rings and squares in different sizes made with brass. 

Chain

Jump rings chain.

 

This is also my manufacturing process, here I was making jump rings using silver and for squares I used brass. This is the chain I was going to use for my chest plate pendant. I thread the pair of closed rings onto an open ring, closed it and solder the joint. This was the easiest way of putting my jump rings together.

Pendant

BEFORE.

 

This is my manufacturing process where I was cutting out the squares for my pendant into sizes. I was also figuring out the way to place them on top of each other to create the most beautiful and unique style of my own design. This was the trickiest part of this project since I had to make sure that everything lines with one another to create a neat and clean pattern.

Prototype

 

Chest plate prototype. 

On the above is my design prototype that includes a chest plate made with triplex a coated and very stable white presentation and project board. It is used for both structural and decorative applications, also has a flat surface. I was not really sure about what I was going to use for my chain pendant hence that why I decided to use beads in order to see whether they will align with my pendant or not. I ended up not using beads for my necklace chain.

Drawing and Design

Chest plate necklace design and drawing. 

 

This is my design and drawing, the second step of this project. Here we had to design and draw a substantial piece of our own conception and explore the theme of contrast as I did by including positive and negative spaces, dark and light, big and small shapes. 

Vet museum exhibition

Ashanti charm bracelets exhibition.

On the above is our Ashanti charm bracelets at the Wits Art Museum, part of the material encounters exhibition and symposium.

Ashanti charm bracelet

Ashanti gold weight charm bracelet.

 

Here I am showing the last step and how it came out. This charm bracelet includes carnelian, two spirals and a running rabbit, brass casting was used in gold weights while chain and fob style catch was handmade. This bracelet is in wrist proportion. The spiral motif identified in the Ashanti collection doubles as a rabbit eye, underlying a visual region. One rabbit is presented in a running posture, referring to the proverb's warning to focus on one task at a time.

Bracelet

Chain and Fob style catch.

 

This is another process where I was making jump rings using brass with 1,2mm and 14mm loops that are half planished. I thread the pair of closed rings onto an open ring, closed it and solder the joint. This was the easiest way of putting my jump rings altogether. After putting them together I planished them using multiple hammer strikes, overlapping on the metal to smooth out the surface. In the fob style catch wire is 1,5mm and 21mm bar, the big round is 15mm wire and 15mm loop, and lastly four smallest jump rings are 0,8 wire and 5mm jump ring. 

Lost wax after casting

Ashanti gold weights from lost wax casting.

On the above is ashanti gold weight from casting, it includes carnelian, running rabbit and spirals. This is made from beeswax which when heated melts leaving the hollow which can be filled with brass. We made our models with wax, followed by investment process in which a wax pattern is used to shape a disposable ceramic mold. The last step was melting our metal and pouring it into a mold through a hollow channel called a sprue. The metal and mold are then cooled, and the metal part is extracted. 

Carnelian and rabbit

Carnelian and Rabbit.

 

These are my two ashanti gold weights the carnelian and rabbit made with brass an alloy of copper. I choose rabbit because it reminds me that in life, I should focus on one thing at a time not multiple and also to not rush but to take time in everything that I do. Meaning if you chase two rabbits one will escape. The second one is carnelian which reminds me every day that I cannot afford to let heartbreaks in life to ruin my future I should keep on standing no matter how bad the situation is. Meaning if you never take the risk, you'll never take the triumph. 

Lost wax rabbit

Running rabbit.

 

This is my South African proverb Ashanti made with wax, it came about a running rabbit that says if you chase two rabbits one will escape, meaning you should do one thing at a time not multiple because one might not be a success. This was the first step of this project we had to make our Ashanti proverbs using lost wax method for casting. 

Brief

Colour contrast in photography

 I am going to design and manufacture a piece of jewellery of my own conception. The piece should be according to the theme of contrast, which is the state of being strikingly different from something else in close association between art elements like colour, value, size, texture, and so on can intensify the elements used. 

Pendants

Ceramic pendants.

The above are pendants also made with clay, they can be used as necklace charm, keychains and backpack clips. I have applied different impression of seashell that we were given in class to choose from. With the right technique such as time and effort clay can be manipulated directly into a variety of lines, forms and patterns. 

Rings, Pinch pots,

Ceramic shell rings.

On the above image is my hand with four rings inspired by seashells. They are made with clay which is starting to be more interesting to work with. I started with pinching and build upon the technique with bending, before moving into the construction. This has allowed me to explore the different ways in which clay can be shaped and also to express my creativity and bring all my imagination to life.   

Pinch pots, rings and pendants

This is my shell belle work after glazing.  

Here I am showing the last step of my shell belle work. These are my post glaze fired ceramics that includes three pinch pots, five pendants, and three rings. This was the last step of this project where we were using glassy coating on ceramics for decorating our shell belle work and give our work a smooth and gloss surface once it has been fired. Glaze has allowed light to pass through my ceramics for behind objects to be seen and has provided neatness without damage. Overall, this was the most exciting and interesting part of this project. 

Van Cleef & Arpels.

Yellow Gold camellian flower pin brooch

This brooch is an authentic piece from Van Cleef and Arpels, crafted in 18k yellow gold in 1998. The design features a delicate camellia flower, which is a signature motif of the brand. It is a timeless and elegant accessory that would be a valuable addition to any collection. The special thing about Van Cleef & Arpels is their movement and asymmetry, they produce lightness and movement into each of its creations. Asymmetric inspire pieces with fine dynamics that reflect the life of flora, the flowing elegance of fabric. This brand combines quality craftsmanship with high-value materials and gemstones which give it its high-value status in jewellery market. 

 

Bulgari

 

Interval 18k yellow gold bracelet

This beautiful unique Bulgari bangle bracelet of flawless design and artistic craftsmanship is of Italian origin, It is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and portrays geometrical motives throughout the bracelet rendered in artfully textured gold. The Bulgari jewellery is a world renowned jewellery house that has been creating statements pieces since 1884. It is owned by LVMH Group (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton) a French multinational holding and combine specializing in luxury goods. Across the perfect lines of fine jewellery, Bulgari combines classic and modern designs to present an impressive collection of timeless beauty.

Rolex

 

Oyster perpetual  date just 41 in oyster steel
and yellow gold features a champagne colour

The Rolex fluted bezel is a mark of distinction, originally the fluting of the oyster bezel had a functional purpose. It served to screw the bezel onto the case helping to ensure the waterproofness of the watch. Overtime, the fluting became an aesthetic element, a genuine signature piece. Rolex watches are crafted from the finest raw materials and constructed with proper attention to detail, their gold pieces are only made with solid gold never gold-plated. Specially, their watches are crafted from 904L stainless steel, a harder and rust resistant, that is why when properly worked polishes unbelievably well.  

Tiffany & Co

 

Silver bangle bracelet gift pouch love statement

The piece is crafted from bright and substantial tiffany silver, and yet retains a feminine and delicate feel to it. It is a wonderful bracelet that fits a lifestyle on the go and the most classic tiffany piece that is so comfortable to wear. Tiffany & Co only use the highest-grade gemstones in their jewellery, they are known to be one of the pickiest brands because of their constant search for only the highest-grade gemstones. The thing that makes Tiffany 's jewellery  so special is that they always focus on the bigger picture of everything that surrounds their brand based on sustainability, quality, creativity, innovative, and exceptional standards.  

Cartier

 

White Gold and diamond massai panther cartier ring

Since it first leapt into the French maisons aesthetic in 1914, the Cartier panther has made its wild presence known in varying forms. Making a striking return in the panther of cartier collection, the legendary catlike defines this sparkling 18- karat white gold ring set with 137 brilliant cut diamonds emerald eyes and an onyx nose. The panther has been Cartier's spirit animal for close to a century, their rings were designed to look like the head of their namesake. Cartier 's focus on quality is evident in its designs and products, the company uses only the finest materials and the most skilled craftsmen to create create its products. This attention to detail has made Cartier 's jewellery some of the most pursue-after in the world.