Teresa Ellis Cetto
Jewelry Designer & Craftswoman
These large flounder earrings are 1-3/8" long I use 24 gauge silver to make them light weight yet sturdy. They have been given a black patina so the detail of the fins, bulging eyes and scale texture is highlighted in black and contrasts vividly with the brilliance of the silver. I begin by cutting out each fish shape with my jewelers saw. Before adding the texture I flip one over and that ends up with the pair being mirror images. They frame the face and create more interest. I then stamp the back with the TEC hallmark and the Argentium stamps. The next step is to turn each charm over and use the same steel hammer, steel block and steel stamps to create the fins, eyes, lips and scale textures. Each fin rib is stamped onto each fish meticulously one rib at a time. It is a very meditative process. Certainly not for everyone to enjoy doing. I do enjoy the process.