Shakudo Branch Earrings | Handmade Designer Earrings

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Shakudo Branch Earrings

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As though grown from the earth, these delicate earrings come to life with Midori Ferris-Wayne’s signature shakudo, an alloy of gold and copper inspired by an ancient tradition. These Shakudo Branch Earrings, handcrafted in Sonoma County, California, go beyond mere allusion to arrive at a richly-interpreted verisimilitude.

Please allow 1-4 weeks for delivery.

$300.00

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$300.00

About

Shakudo is an extraordinary metal with a venerable history beginning in 15th century Japan or perhaps even in the ancient societies of Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Shakudo is most often associated with the decorative metalwork on the swords of Japanese samurai. Today shakudo can be seen in the craft of ‘mokume-gane’, a metal-layering process used to make ornamental containers that results in the appearance of highly-textured wood grain. Shakudo is evocative of ancient history and the elemental forces of nature.

Traditionally, shakudo is an alloy of copper and 4 - 25% pure gold which is then treated with a chemical solution to achieve the beautiful bluish-black or dark purple metallic patina. Midori Ferris-Wayne has developed her own combination of gold, copper, and chemistry to create the signature chocolate-brown shakudo that so gorgeously awakens the spirit of the natural world.

Artist

Designer Midori Ferris-Wayne became fascinated with the decorative arts and jewelry history while working at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and came to see the art of jewelry as a means of sharing values from one generation to the next. This became the guiding principle for her craft.

In keeping with a profound commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious design, Midori does not support the mining of new metals in her jewelry practice. Without exception, all the materials she uses are completely reclaimed, from argentium sterling silver and 18k gold to vintage gemstones and pearls resurrected from antique jewelry. In addition, Midori has embraced a centuries-old Japanese tradition of alloying gold and copper to create the distinctive chocolate-colored shakudo which features in many of her pieces.