Recycled sterling silver white freshwater pearl earrings, water cast studs, store rustic pearl studs handmade by Calgary jeweller Melissa Pedersen
These white freshwater pearls are nestled safely inside one of a kind water cast sterling silver cups. To create the handmade cups I pour molten sterling silver (100% recycled from my own sterling silver end cuts and bench scraps) into water. The process creates these gorgeous organic shapes, full of beautiful subtle texture.
These earrings are one of a kind, each water cast cup is 100% unique. The earrings photographed are the exact earrings you will receive, they are ready to ship out right away.
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MATERIALS & PROCESS
♢ Solid sterling silver (100% recycled)
♢ White freshwater pearls
♢ To start I gather all my sterling silver I plan on using and melt it down to over 1700 degree Fahrenheit. When the silver is nice and liquid I carefully pour it into water. As the molten metal hits the surface it sizzles and freezes in place, capturing the moment when the silver is transformed. I love this because each cup is totally unique, outside of my control and I don't know what kind of shape will emerge!
♢ After soldering on the solid sterling silver earring post, I chose to patina the inside of the cups, using the natural beauty of silver to my advantage. The darker inside makes the white pearls really stand out. The outside is polished bright and shiny.
♢ Attaching the pearl is the very last step in creating these earrings. The pearl is half drilled and is securely attached to a sterling silver post that is soldered on inside the cup. I love how the silver forms a protective nest around the pearl.
♢ The butterfly style earring backs are a step up in quality, a slightly thicker gauge than normal. Since studs are my go-to earrings I have found from experience that a nicer ear backing was needed to hold up in regular use and keep your earrings on!
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INSPIRATION & SYMBOLISM
♢ As I create these water cast pieces they speak to my soul. I see God showing me something new through the literal process of refining. As I melt down the old to create something new I am reminded of a refreshing spring rain, bringing with it growth and new life.
♢ If your interested in learning more about my inspiration behind my entire water cast "rain drop" collection I have written a blog post about it on my website:
https://www.melissapedersen.com/post/water-cast-rain-drop-collection
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MEASUREMENTS
♢ The cups measure 1.2 cm in diameter, with 5mm white freshwater pearls.
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GIFT GIVING
♢ Giving as a gift? I send all my jewellery in pretty thin cardboard jewellery boxes, wrapped with ribbon and tissue paper, nice enough to give as a gift. I always include artist info so the recipient knows the item is handmade from the heart.
♢ These earrings are a beautiful unique spin on the classic freshwater pearl stud. They would make a lovely gift of encouragement.
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SHIPMENT + DELIVERY
♢ This item is all ready made and ready to ship, I will get it in the mail within 1-3 business days. These earrings are one of a kind, the earrings in the photos are the earrings you will receive.
♢ I securely package all my jewellery in thin cardboard jewellery boxes, placed inside of a padded envelope or larger box for shipping.
♢ Shipping times are ESTIMATES provided by the postal service– please keep this in mind especially around the holidays or if you are outside of Canada.
♢ Shipping includes tracking and insurance.
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CONTINUE SHOPPING
♢ Check out my entire Etsy Shop for more garden inspired sterling silver jewellery
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/melissapedersen
♢ Like to wear jewellery as a set? Jump to coordinating pieces from my “water cast” collection
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/melissapedersen?ref=seller-platform-mcnav§ion_id=28355448
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ELSEWHERE
♢ Feel free to check out my website for more work and join my mailing list for exclusive promos and events!
⇨ www.melissapedersen.com
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Thank you!
Melissa Pedersen
♢ Jewellery Artist ♢ store