Forged and assembled by Missouri based artist, Susan Mahlstedt, this pair of earrings are oxidized 18k gold, 14k gold earwire. Taking inspiration from forms in nature, Susan manifests beauty from her environment. Creating a blend of elegance and comfort, Mahlstedt's pieces are a perfect ensemble for that special person that exudes timelessness and grace.
Oxidized Sand Dollars Earrings - Susan Mahlstedt
There is a joy in hand fabricating with metals. Solving technical challenges in order to create the look and vision she want keeps her constantly intrigued. Susan's inspirations come from the form and textures of leaves, sand dollars, shells, bamboo and pebbles combined or individually. Some of the techniques used to create texture are carving with burrs and stamping with different shapes of steel stamps. Materials include sterling silver, 18k and 14k gold with precious and semi precious stones as accents. The finishes include depletion gilding (a heating process that makes the silver a white color), oxidizing, satin and polish highlights. I spend a lot of time with a design so that it flows or has the shape she is looking for. While using a variety of textures, patterns and finishes, Susan hopes to create unique jewelry that the wearer finds graceful yet strong, artistic, and comfortable to wear.