Paper Boat Collodion Image On Glass Set In Sterling Silver and 14K Gold w/Chain

I love paper boats. They take me to another imaginary world.
 
I put a lot of work into this piece, from setting up the little paper boat scene in my studio, to capturing the image in ambrotype form in my antique camera and processing it in my darkroom, to creating the Sterling Silver and 14K gold setting on my jeweler's bench.
 
It feels great to have it completed and to have been able to do what I wanted to do for this lovely piece. The gold granulation around the "frame" brings just the right amount of warmth to the pendant. The setting measures 44mm x 37mm (about 1 3/4" x 1 1/2") and I've added a high quality 18 inch sterling silver chain to finish off the piece.
 

This necklace is a fine art Photo Pendant made in the 1850's wet plate collodion process. This type of image on metal is known as a "Tintype", a wet plate photo on glass is an "Ambrotype" and a collodion photo on Agate Quartz stone, I am calling an "Agatype". They are created in a rare, almost lost art process. I spend a great deal of time setting up the shoot for the image and taking the photo with an 1860's Dallmeyer lens and bellows camera or my 1910's Voigtlander lens and 5x7 bellows. Each wet plate is carefully developed in my darkroom, dried and then varnished with shellac or sandarac and lavender oil for their protection.....and then 2 more jeweler's grade, crystal clear materials to add even more durability.  I place the metal, glass, mica or agate stone photo into the setting or add a bail and assemble the solid sterling silver chain and clasp. A lot of time and heart goes into making these handmade "gems" of art.

Each piece has a slight shimmer as wet plate collodion photos are made from tiny silver particles. Every one has its own unique quality, sometimes displaying streaks or specks which only add to its beauty and mystery.

I have searched out or created the best quality settings and chain and I would love to accommodate if you have any specific requirements or commissions.

Be sure to use a soft, 100% cotton, T-shirt or cloth to gently wipe your photo pendant and store it in the included individual pouch or box to keep from scratching. Care for this piece just as you would care for any of your other fine jewelry pieces.

I sign or engrave each of my pieces. This one of a kind Pendant is sure to be an heirloom and it would make a wonderful gift for any occasion. I hope you enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Thanks so much for your interest.

Angie Brockey