Replenishing Stock!

Janice Stiles

Replenishing Stock!

With all the work that has been going on with the website it was time to bring back some favorite pieces that had sold over time and quietly slipped into the “out of stock” category. The first collection I focused on replenishing was the Cuff Collection - handcrafted designs built on a foundation of copper and transformed into bold, versatile jewelry.

I have always loved creating cuffs. Each one begins the same way, with copper carefully formed as the base, then layered and embellished with sterling silver, titanium, patinas, and gemstones. From there, every piece takes on a personality of its own.

The above cuff is reticulated sterling silver over copper with an accent of .5” torched titanium band.


A look I particularly love is this patinaed copper cuff with a reticulated sterling silver band. I begin with a flat piece of copper cut to the length and width of the cuff, then apply the patina. Next comes a narrower copper band onto which I fuse pieces of sterling silver, allowing the torch to create rich reticulation and beautiful texture.


The upper sterling-over-copper piece is then riveted to the lower patinaed copper strip, and the two pieces are carefully formed into a cuff. I continue by adding a total of four rivets for strength, stability, and design detail.

 

 

I use the techniques of silver fusion and silver reticulation in conjunction with one another. “Silver fusion” means that sterling silver is fused directly onto a copper base using a torch. “Reticulation” refers to the textured surface created by repeatedly heating the silver until it wrinkles, ripples, and forms organic patterns.
 
This particular piece is enhanced with an 8mm turquoise stone, mined in Kingman, Arizona.



 

One of the more popular and dramatic styles for both men and women is this highly architectural cuff featuring fold forming. Before the silver is fused to the narrower band, I place the copper over an anvil and hammer it to create folds. Using a torch, I then anneal the metal - essentially heating it to make it more pliable and easier to shape.

Once the desired folds are created, sterling silver is fused to the copper band and then reticulated to develop texture and depth. From there, I continue riveting and shaping the cuff until the final form emerges.


 

As you can see, all of these techniques are similar but so different. Each piece has its own personality and distinctive styling, making cuffs one of those wonderful statement pieces of jewelry.

Shop Cuff Collection

 

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