'Square Flare' Necklace

Bent Metal

Bent Metal Square Flare Oxidized Silver Necklace Made in Maine, USA by Erica Schlueter
  • Bent Metal Square Flare Oxidized Silver Necklace Made in Maine, USA by Erica Schlueter
  • Bent Metal Square Flare Oxidized Silver Necklace Made in Maine, USA by Erica Schlueter
  • Bent Metal Square Flare Oxidized Silver Necklace Made in Maine, USA by Erica Schlueter
  • Bent Metal Square Flare Oxidized Silver Necklace Made in Maine, USA by Erica Schlueter
  • Bent Metal Square Flare Oxidized Silver Necklace Made in Maine, USA by Erica Schlueter
  • $80.00

To create this bimetal work of art, a thin sheet of 18K gold is fused to a slightly thicker sheet of oxidized sterling silver. In addition to reinforcing the strength of the material, this fusion results in a handsome contrast of black and gold.

The metal is textured with various fabrics using a rolling mill to emboss an interesting weave-structure. Over time, some oxidation may wear off, enhancing the piece with patina and personalizing it to the owner.

The artist chooses to use rivets, and no solder, in the construction of her jewelry. She notes the two definitions for the word “rivet” as inspiration. First, to fasten firmly. Second, to hold attention of the eyes. So too is the purpose of rivets in Bent Metal jewelry twofold. Rivets are not only fasteners; they serve as decorative elements.

- Bimetal: Oxidized sterling silver and 18K gold
- Chain measures 18"
- Pendant measures 3/4"
- Earrings measure 1 1/4" ___

Bent Metal is handcrafted jewelry designed and meticulously realized by Erica Schlueter in Belfast, Maine. Combining silk embroidery and crochet with precious metals imprinted with woven texture, Erica pays homage to fine needle work and textiles that have been created all over the world and throughout history.

Although the artist has been producing jewelry for over 10 years, she began her creative journey with the study of textiles and fibers, which was her focus in college and a persistent passion still.

Over the years she has been exploring ways to apply fiber and textile techniques to jewelry, a medium that often has the capacity to reach a wider audience. This modern design composition - pressing textile patterns into metal and wearing the metal - helps connect people to the tradition and enduring energy of woven and stitched fabrics. 

All Bent Metal pieces are made in Erica’s home studio, a small room with large windows. In the fields around her house, she has begun to cultivate flax. With its thirty-thousand year history of human use and notable role in New England’s textile tradition, flax moves Erica closer to her admirable goal of one hundred percent local sourcing.

From the artist: “For what I do, I prefer the word craftsperson over maker or creator because I don’t think I create something new. I have always loved exploring the weave patterns of textiles. I try to take the traditional patterns, textures, and techniques and apply them to jewelry.”

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