These lovely handmade and shaped gold Leaf Earrings were created using Sterling Silver PMC (Precious Metal Clay); the clay is rolled to the appropriate thickness. Next, a large skeleton leaf is laid atop the clay and rolled to imprint the surface.  When the clay is completely dry – and the bail is affixed to the back – it goes into a small jewelry kiln and is fired at 1650°F for two hours.  The organic binder burns away, the piece shrinks about 15% (the weight of the binder), and the end result is pure Sterling Silver.  

The earrings measure 1-3/4" from ear to tip, and hang from sterling silver leverback wires for security while wearing.  

The 22k gold is applied using an ancient Korean technique called Keum Boo: the silver piece is placed on a small beehive kiln and heated to approximately 800°F. Gold leaf is laid on the surface and burnished as the heat bonds the gold and silver on a molecular level – creating a rich surface.