Peacock Ore Necklace
Several years ago - pre-pandemic - I picked up a couple of pieces of peacock ore in a rock shop in Boulder, Nevada. So I’ve had these two pieces for awhile. Every now and then I take them out (along with all my other cabochons), admire their beauty, and puzzle over what to do with them. Then I’d put them away.
A jewelry challenge on Jewelry Artisan’s Community changed all of that. The theme of the challenge was peacocks. I knew then, that it was time to do something with the peacock ore.
My Usual Wire Work Style
Here are example of pieces I made in the past. As you can see, they are quite precise.
Organic Rather Than Precise
Given the rough contours of the ore, precise was never going to work. And I was way out of my comfort zone. I decided on a simple, loose cage, so the ore could be the star.
Tools and Supplies
From left to right: Loop maker, pliers, side cutters, and 20 gauge stainless steel. When working with stainless steel, you will require a substantial pair of side cutters.
Technique (she says laughingly)
I use the term “technique” with a smirk. Honestly, it was all trial and error. I didn’t count, but I likely made at least a dozen attempts.
I started off using copper. But the copper was too soft for me to bend accurately. And once you make a mistake with copper, the kink is nearly impossible to smooth out. That doesn’t mean a copper cage can’t be done, only that I can’t do it. So I switched to stainless steel. It’s tough to bend, so little danger of over bending, and putting a kink in it.
Also, it’s pretty tricky to get nice even loops with the ore in the center. May be if I’d tried a dozen more times, I’d have achieved a more equal loop spacing. But the problem is, to try again, you need destroy the cage you’ve just made. I decided to settle for this one as it was the best of the bunch, rather than risk never being able to achieve one this good again.
To finish up, I used the loop maker to make loops at the top to add a jump ring. The rest is jewelry making 101.
While it is uncomfortably organic, I find I do enjoying wearing this pendant nonetheless.
Do You Have A Favorite Stone, Marble, or Other Object?
You may have a favorite object that may make a wonderful new pendant using this technique. If so, I’d encourage you to give it a shot. I’m now eyeing other pieces in my favorite object stash.
