Barred Owl Necklace
16-20” in length
Faceted garnets
Sterling silver, 18 k gold and brass - reclaimed
Pendant is a little over 2” in length and 1” at widest point
I made this necklace with a clasp that closes so you won’t lose it
$800
It’s not every day that a design pops in my head like the Barred owl design did and I take that as a sign that it must be made. The week leading up to the design, I was hearing sounds that sounded like they were coming from scared children. When I made the sound myself, a Barred owl swooped down to the tree in front of me and looked at me like I was the root of all evil.
I knew the Barred had a distinctive hoot, but the other sound, well, I had to look that up. Turns out, it was owlets and my call brought mama down to tell me that wasn’t going to work for her. The family of Barred owls were nesting in the barn above my home and every night it sounded like a pack of monkeys were having a party. I started working on my “Who cooks for you” hoot and I got really good at it. Every time I did it outside, a Barred would come have a look. In my mind, they were impressed, but in actuality, they were trying to run me off. Now I just hoot in the grocery store and embarrass my family. A win for me!
This is my favorite piece to date. I made it for me, but I made it for you, too. The faceted garnets are so pretty and when they hit the light, they sparkle this light that was made for night. The brass moon glows perfectly against the silver and the gold beak tops it off as one of the best pairings of metal and stone, ever. Am I bias? Sure! But if you’re here reading this, you probably love it as much as i do.
Note to buyer: The reclaiming process is a bit of a long one. Most of the sterling silver I buy is from well used jewelry that isn't being worn anymore or has been broken. I also buy used sterling silverware. I melt it all down and roll it into sheet and wire. This means that I don't have to buy freshly mined silver that is much easier to work with. Reclaimed pieces cost morebecause of this extra process. In the end, reclaiming metal for my wares is gratifying and worth it to me. I hope you feel the same. With love.
All of my jewelry is stamped .925 and or 14-24k gold. This is helpful for resell value if you ever decide to pass it on.