My name is Robyn Marie and I am a Jewelry Artisan.
With the exception of some of the chains and clasps, I have hand-fabricated every item you see here. I design the pieces, texture the metals using a variety of techniques from Reposse to chasing, hammering, and use a rolling mill to embed the textures on the surface of the metal, set my own stones, and finish them with patina's, surface treatments or polishing.
The Filigree wire is 26 gauge Fine Silver and I have hand twisted the wire. I don't use any mechanical instruments to make it. I use two wooden blocks, twisting the wire over and over, annealing (heating the metal and softening it so it won't break) in between and twisting some more until it reaches its final size. When the wire is small enough I put it through a rolling mill and flatten it to .25mm, only then is it ready to use. The frame work for the piece is soldiered together and the filigree wire is twisted and manipulated to fill each cell. Using a paste solder the entire piece is soldiered.
I also enjoy enameling. I use two techniques; Cloisonne' and dry sifting. I prepare the metal by grinding down both surfaces with diamond drills. After the piece is cleaned, then I apply a clear coat of enamel to the back and then the front. In the case of Cloisonne' I then add the wire to the top surface and put it into a kiln, firing it in place. Now the beautiful transparent colors are applied, little by little, firing each layer in place until the cells created by the wire are full. A final grinding is done to the top and then one last trip to the kiln. After the piece is finished I set them like gemstones.
I use mostly what are called "semi precious stones", although I think in many ways they are more beautiful and have more character than the "precious" ones. It is amazing to me that from minerals, water, heat, and pressure the earth can grow so many wondrous stones with so many unique qualities. I love them!
I have a pile of rocks sitting next to my work bench just waiting to be used. Sometimes I move them around, bringing out new ones and putting others away. I like to look at them for awhile and ponder their beauty. It's so cool when I have finished a project and given it a final polish to see something I had total control over and I made the vision come to life!
I decided many years ago, when I quite my job to bring this dream to reality, I would never do anything that felt like "work" again. Everyone should be able to live their dream and make a living at it.
You have to be happy within yourself. Let go and tell the world, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not taking it any more! I want to get up every morning and marvel at the beautiful day!" And I do.