Jewelry making is one of the oldest crafts in human history, but has changed more over the last few decades than the previous millennia. Today’s jeweler have to keep up with advances in computer modelling and 3D printing, but sometimes it’s best to go about things the old school way. For a client that wanted a rustic looking mounting for an ancient coin, Chad Elliott hand sculpted a wax frame to the specific contours of the coin, cast it in rich 22k yellow gold, then set the coin with hand wrought prongs, loop, and bail. And rather than polishing, Chad scrubbed the piece with beach sand for a soft finish that highlights the deep yellow of the pure gold. With a dark leather cord, the coin necklace could have been made by a 15th century jeweler just as much as a 21st century one!
for of Chad’s unique custom designs, check our portfolio page!