Melinda Risk, "Winged Tear Collector."

Necklace

Materials: Sterling Silver Pendant with 22K Yellow Gold Accents, Diamonds, Rubies, and White Topaz, Threaded closure.

This vessel does open and close.

Pendant Dimensions: 1.75" H x 1" W x 0.5" D. Chain Length: 28".

About the piece:

"Inspired by Victorian Mourning Jewelry. The wings represent freedom of choice. My work is narrative and the Tear Collector is about tears shed for tough choices made. The wings are for freedom of choice and the red rubies and skull are anger at the loss of women’s rights."

About the Artist:

 How I See Things.....

My work has evolved into tiny creations that can be worn as jewelry, though sometimes the delicacy means only when you are relaxing on your throne. I am like a sponge absorbing all things good, bad and unusual that are then filtered through my thoughts to become a tangible, archival jewel.

 Each jewel is a combination of many different techniques that I have acquired either learning from others or self-taught with much experimentation. I enjoy the challenge of having a story to tell and then learning new techniques to create the vision.  My childhood memories are of making things and when I attended Kent State University, I had the opportunity to explore many different mediums and I chose metals. Over the years I have been adding different materials to my work so it often resembles sculpture and the wearable part is secondary. My work is covered in details all around and underneath with secrets for the wearer that can be shared if they choose. Creating is my form of mediation and I put all that I have into each Jewel.

My techniques include carving, casting, fabricating, granulation, painting and more. The materials I use include gold, silver, copper, bronze, diamonds, gemstones, porcelain, wood, bone, paint and glass.

I create each piece myself from beginning to end in my studio.