Small Silver Ginkgo Earrings

 Handmade from an impressions of real ginkgo leaves impressed into fine silver clay.  The beautiful leaves hang from hand forged sterling silver ear wires. A darkening patina was applied to the leaves and then hand polished to a high shine bringing out the leaves delicate veining. Each pair is made individually so they will be slightly different as each leaf is unique.  Details: Length is 1 3/8 inches, including ear wire, by 1/2 inch wide. Ginkgo leaf is made from fine silver metal clay and is 7/8 inch long by 1/2 inch wide. Sterling silver ear wires.   Fine silver metal clay consisted of silver particles and a binder.  After forming, drying and refining the piece is fired in a kiln.  During this time the binder burns off and the result is a piece that is .999 fine silver. After firing they have been tumbled to harden and bring out the high shine.  Lastly the leaves have been dipped in a patina agent and polished by hand to bring out the beautiful details of the ginkgo leaves.