Melon Ball Earrings - 22K and Diamond - Nancy Troske Jewelry

THE ARTISTRY

Ancient goldsmiths practiced techniques of gold granulation, woven metal chains, filigree and cloisonné enameling. By faithfully employing the same techniques, Nancy produces highly individualized pieces. Working in her own custom alloy of 22k and/or .999 silver, she makes thin sheets and wire. Chains get dozens of hand-made jump rings; each ring is fused and shaped one at a time and woven into a round, square or flat chain. Granules are made from tiny sections of wire, one by one, placed with a small brush onto the piece which is heated almost to the melting point whereby the granules become one with the back sheet. Clasps, hinges, and findings are made entirely by hand. Some pieces can take weeks or even months to produce. Nancy's process of stone selection and metal work respects the origin of this craft, which began with the Etruscans in the first millennium b.c.e. These goldsmithing traditions are nearly as old as history itself.

THE ORIGINS

By the first millennium BC, jewelry already had a long tradition behind it. it speaks to our need for self-adornment and is one of the oldest forms of decorative art. its use can be traced from the earliest civilizations in mesopotamia, through the centuries and up to today. and ever since the dawn of history, wearing jewelry has been seen as having the power to attract. pure gold and silver were considered to have magical properties, especially gold which was used in its pure form; its beauty would not be diminished with the passage of time. its rich beauty, along with precious minerals, was seen in jewelry throughout history and in civilizations unconnected by time and place. jewelry speaks of a common language and becomes a bridge between the distant past and modern times. nancy troske feels a strong connection with goldsmiths from antiquity; etruscan, egyptian, greek, roman and byzantine. by working in their materials and techniques, there’s a sense of continuity, shared tradition and love for meticulous craftsmanship.

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