This luscious gold Leaf Necklace was 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 leaf measures approx. 3" x 3-1/2" and hangs on an 18" oxidized sterling silver neck cable with friction fit.  

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.