Dordogne Valley France - Hand Crafted Stone Necklace and Earring Set

October 11th, 2009 in other crafts, fashion, jewelry making

BrassMonkeyOriginals, member

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The set

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The Dordogne Valley Necklace and Earring set was made from one half of a single stone. The other half of that stone was used to create a matching pair of earrings.

I took one half of a split stone, drilled a hole in the top, and sealed it with cement and Triple Thick Diamond Glaze. Because this is a sedimentary rock, it was crucial to reinforce it with cement, to strengthen it. The glaze is also important, as it not only seals the piece, but it brings out warm tones (though not as yellow as it appears in the photos) and prevents scratching and chipping.

Some important notes regarding drilling stone is that you will need a diamond bit to drill the stone. You will also need to keep the stone wet to prevent your drill bit from over-heating. I use a dremel drill press, but that isn't neccesary as long as you keep the bit at a 90 degree angle to the stone. Go SLOW. That is very important. Don't try to force the drill down, just let it dig away at its own speed. If you try to press the drill too hard, you'll break your bit and/or shatter the stone. This takes a lot of patience.

The pendant is finished with brass eyelets and accented with a nicely matching Labradorite rondelle and brass findings. Total length of the Dordogne Valley is 80mm. Chain length is 48cm or 18.75". The twisted wire Shepard's hook clasp was handmade by me.

The earrings are finished with brass eyelets and accented with fine, coiled brass wire, beads. Total length of Dordogne Valley is 78mm, from the top of the ear wire to the lowest point of the stones.

Inspiration behind this Product:

Dordogne Valley France is the site of many Magdalenien settlements. The Magdalenien period was part of the upper paleolithic era, from about 17,000 BC. One of the caves in the Dordogne Valley is called Font de Gaume. The face of the cliff of Font de Gaume is streaked with the patina of eons of dark rainwater wash. The streaks on this stone remind me of those streaks.

To purchase the earrings, go to:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=77213

To purchase the necklace, go to:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=77231

If you would like to purchase the set, you will get a US $5.00 discount and combined shipping.