Dearest Necklace

by Kristine Schroeder.
(Saint Germain, Wisconsin USA)

The centerpiece of my Dearest Series, the “Dearest” necklace was inspired by the Victorian custom of giving and wearing sentimental jewelry. “Dearest” jewelry and “Regard” jewelry was set with gemstones whose initials spelled Dearest or Regard.

In the pendant portion of the Dearest Necklace, the roses and leaves are embellished with gemstone beads as follows: Diamond (Black), Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Tourmaline (Pink). The initials of these gems spell “Dearest”.

The rose-and-leaf garland is wrapped, with beaded ribbon, to an eternal circle. The beaded ribbon wraps down around the garland, and up around the chain, forming a bail.

The hook clasps are hand-sculpted as well.

The Dearest Necklace was done in the wire sculpture technique, with strands of sterling silver wire and 14k goldfill wire. No solder, no torch, no castings, no pre-formed pieces of any sort.

Kristine Schroeder
Kristine Schroeder Studio