Ocean wave necklace, genuine cultured pearl necklace, silversmith jewelry, Christmas gift for her collection

This necklace aims to capture the moment when ocean waves reach their peak, just before they fold onto themselves. I find that moment to be a symbol of our wish to freeze in time the moment when life is at its peak - a peak of happiness, vitality, accomplishment, or love. A cultured pearl, a further symbol of the sea, is embraced in between two wave peaks, suspended in mid-air - another representation of a moment caught in eternity.

I forge this necklace starting with a flat sheet of sterling silver. To give it its wave-like shape, I use a contemporary silversmithing technique called anticlastic raising, which creates sinuous curves in the metal. A pink freshwater pearl, which looks like it is rolling on the metal, is actually safely secured on a silver peg soldered into the body of the pendant. The various curves in the metal reflect light from different angles, adding a further collection dimension to the pendant, bringing it to life.

The necklace measures about 1.25 inches in diameter, and comes on a sterling silver chain, gift boxed.