Design Process

The process begins in my sketch book. I then draw the designs on a computer in solid black and white and arrange them economically on a sheet, the black areas being silver. I send this with a sheet of sterling silver to a company who photo etch the design onto the metal so that the white areas of the design become recessed. I then cut out the seperate pieces, file and finish the edges and fill the recesses with opalescent white enamel which is fired at 800 degrees. The excess enamel has to be ground back using a diamond abrasive before each piece is then refired to glaze the surface. Then I apply a transfer and the piece is fired once again and more transfers may be applied to create a layered affect. The reverse of the piece is then finished and findings, such as brooch joint and catch, are soldered on. Finally the piece is oxidised (blackened) and polished.