Larkin forms the base of these gleaming earrings from a rectangle of hefty 20 gauge sheet metal, hammered to appear like a brick or stone base for the vining ivy. They then painstakingly texture, hand cut, vein and shape each leaf from silver. Each earring is topped with a hand-shaped 20 gauge silver ear wire.
The copper background is untreated and can be kept polished bright or allowed to develop a natural patina. The silver has been oxidized to highlight texture, then hand polished.
Each earring measures about 3.5 cm from the top of the ear wire to the tip of the lowest ivy leaf and and just over 1 cm at its widest point.
Ivy is often thought to symbolize strength (if you've ever tried to discourage ivy, you know why!), fidelity (it gets very attached!), and vitality. Bottom line: you can display your mettle with this gorgeously shaped metal. ;)
