Nomad Earrings, Bronze or Sterling Silver Tuareg-Style
I came across a vintage brass charm and fell in love with it. I researched the piece and found that it is most probably Tuareg. The Tuaregs are a nomadic Berber people who live in the Saharan desert in North Africa. It was meant to be given as a good luck or spiritual guidance charm when venturing off into the world. At the base of the piece is a compass symbol, which is meant to represent the 4 directions. The circle is meant to represent the eye, a symbol of guidance.
I have cast it in solid nickel-free bronze and sterling silver using lost-wax casting. I start with a wax model, and then a plaster mold is made from the wax. Liquid metal is poured into the mold and heated in a kiln to create the final product, which is then tumbled, tumbled, and tumbled again, and polished to bring out the shine. I've oxidized and polished the surface to highlight the beautiful patterns.
The bronze earrings hang from lever-back antique brass ear wires that are secure as well as lead and nickel-free. The second photo shows the earrings in sterling silver with hand-made sterling ear wires.
The earrings measure 2 1/4" from the top of the ear wire.
Width: .75 inches (3/4").
Please allow 10-14 days for casting in bronze or sterling silver.
RedAvaDesigns: Modern Design, Vintage Style