Mini pendant containing an aqua coloured cabochon, complete with sterling silver chain

A round silver pendant with colourful cabochon - I made it so long ago I can't remember what it is made from, I was just enjoying learning how to set stones into my design.   I have rediscovered it in my workshop and it deserves to be worn!

• Approximate width 1.2 mm
• Hanging on a sterling silver snake chain (45cm)
• Presented in a gift box. (Esther Priestley gift boxes - are made from jewellery boxes are made from FSC®-certified cardboard and water-based glue and the foam insert uses Tall oil – a by-product extracted from tree pulp during paper production, making them an truly eco-friendly design)

Inspiration : I love oak trees and there are lots around here, including a beautiful one in the field opposite our house.  From the kitchen window we can watch this throughout the seasons, as its leaves grow and create a gorgeous canopy in Spring and then change colour and drop in the Autumn.  The branches create a haven for wildlife - jays, magpies, crows and squirrels have all been busy harvesting the acorns and a number of tiny little trees are growing nearby, no doubt an off-spring of this very tree.

The process: These oak leaves have been collected on local walks and whilst they were still freshly picked I coated them with their first layer of silver clay.  Then over a process of several weeks I added layers - up to about 9 in total.  The delicate clay shapes then went into my kiln, where the actual leaf itself burns away, leaving behind the imprint in silver.