Sunburst solar necklace | large silver sun with raw lapis lazuli, sand-cast pewter handmade rustic statement necklace
A large solar sunburst focal with raw pale blue lapis lazuli bead hanging alongside.
The sunburst is sand cast in lead and nickel free pewter from an antique horse brass. Ornamental horse brasses, used on harnesses or for display, were very popular in England in the mid 19th century. Their origins (Ancient Rome and medieval England), are almost certainly talismanic and amuletic. This is reflected in the symbols you find on many horse brasses, in amongst the more mundane brasses of windmills and castles! For example, many feature crescent moons, stars and suns. When I did a google lens of this one, I found a very similar piece in the British Museum; an Asante soul disc (you can see and read about it here: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/E_Af1900-0427-11). While it seems unlikely that the horse brass I used for my inspiration was based on an African cultural artefact, it is testament to universality of some symbols.
Sand casting is a technique dating back centuries (in fact the Asante soul disc was probably sand cast). The process involves creating a shape (mold) in the packed sand - I add the piece's unique texture, at this point in the process - and pouring in molten metal. Once the metal has cooled, I add additional texture and patina to create dimension and depth. Unlike batch casting, or casting into a silicon mold, the sand mold can only be used once. It is an intensive handmade process and the finished piece is unique.
Necklace Length: 16 inches (41 cm).
Strung on heavy gauge stainless steel chain.
Focal Length: 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) from the top to bottom.
Weight: around 180 grams (6.3 ounces).
Care:
Pewter is a relatively soft metal that has been used for jewelry and adornments dating back to Ancient Romans, Egyptians and Celts. While pewter does not tarnish like some metals it will darken and dull down when not worn - simply buff with a polishing cloth or fine steel wool to bring the shine back up. I oxidize my pieces with a dark patina, which brings out the textures, and seal with a natural wax polish (the black patina may, occasionally, transfer to your skin when first worn; this is quite harmless and easily removed with soap and water).
Shipping from Australia
Processing time
1-3 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 21 days of delivery
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my item take to reach me?
I ship internationally from here in Australia. You can check your estimated shipping times for your country here:
https://auspost.com.au/service-updates/international-delivery-updates
Please note that shipping estimates are not guaranteed. All items are shipped with tracking so you can keep an eye on your shipment's progress.
Domestic items are shipped via 'Express Post'.
Do you wrap your items?
All my items are securely packaged and wrapped for keeping or gifting.
I try to keep my environmental footprint as light as possible, so I use new and clean recycled packaging in my wrapping.
Can I return my purchase for a refund?
Absolutely. What's the point of jewelry you aren't going to wear! Shopping online is convenient, but sometimes you need to see a thing up-close and in-person to know how you really feel about it. If you'd like to return your item, just let me know within 14 days of delivery and I will issue a refund upon receipt of an item returned in the same condition as supplied. Please note that purchasers/buyers are responsible for return postage costs
What's your aesthetic and your pricing philsophy?
My work is purposefully raw. I use natural stones, crystals and salvaged materials, as these hold more meaning than shiny new things. My aesthetic celebrates the signposts; stitches, tool marks, natural texture and patina - these tell the story of a pieces' journey with me. I love that one of my customers described my work as 'beautifully broken' because there is great beauty in what some consider to be imperfection.
Pricing is one of the hardest things for an artist. I try to keep my prices accessible, whilst reflecting the time and materials that have gone into creating. When you purchase one of my pieces you are getting something that is unique and which has taken many hours to create.
Custom and personalized orders
My process is very organic and personal so, the short answer is no, I don't generally take custom orders. However, please feel free to reach out to me if you have something in mind. I've worked with several of my regular customers to create a piece that uses a material or object that holds a special meaning for them.
Can I reserve an item? Do you offer lay-away?
I am happy to reserve items for up to seven days for returning customers (ie. people who have purchased from me before), but please note that by reserving an item you are committing to purchase that item.
I can also set up layaway (payment via instalments) for new customers. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this option.
I am German buyer - what are my obligations under the Packaging Act (VerpackG)?
In accordance with the Packaging Act (VerpackG), I have registered in the LUCID packaging register. Customers resident in Germany must either a) return any packaging that I have put into circulation at their own cost OR b) properly dispose of any packaging in accordance with the applicable regulations.