Hufflepuff Necklace

[kerravonsen]

A while back now, I was muttering about making a Hufflepuff necklace. I even started it. But, prompted by the current M.A.I.L. contest, I figured out an even better design. (Not sure what I'll do with the three inches of chain I did for the first one...)

And today I finished it!




Symbolism:

* Colours are black and yellow (gold), the colours of Hufflepuff.
* Bees symbolize Hufflepuff for two reasons: they are hard workers, and they are also black and yellow.
* Yellow flowers represent friendship, another quality of Hufflepuff. And of course flowers go with bees!


Materials and construction:

Chain:
* Sunrise weave, brass links (gold, black) ID=5.6mm OD=8mm WD=1.2mm AR=4.67
Centre triangle:
* B^3 weave, brass links (gold, black) ID=5.6mm OD=8mm WD=1.2mm AR=4.67
Pendant:
* Brass filigree squares, bent into a flower shape, gold filigree bead, large bee charm
Dangles:
* Each dangle comprises two small flowers and one large flower. The small flowers comprise a gold filigree brass flower and a gold bead on a headpin. The large flowers comprise a tiny bee charm on an eyepin, which itself has a gunmetal-black bead, a gold filigree flower, and a bronze filigree circle bent into a flower shape.


(edited to point to new offsite album)

Comments

[tptigger]

That's gorgeous. I'm tempted to ask if you take commissions. I might actually wear jewelry if I had a Ravenclaw one of those,but currency exchange and shipping to the states would get fun...

[kerravonsen]

Thank you!

I'm tempted to ask if you take commissions.

You're not the first to say that... but the short answer is "no".

The long answer... has many reasons in it.

1) It would be a lot of hassle.
2) It would be work instead of fun.
3) I like giving things as gifts, to people who know me personally. They appreciate that it's a hand-made personal gift. I like to see the look on their faces.
4) I wouldn't be willing to sell my work unless the person really understands the worth of it. Which means that I would be charging more than anyone would be willing to pay. Because I refuse to devalue my time.

For example, that necklace above... has about 500 rings in it. Plus all the charms and dangles. Say, 580 items all told.

The materials cost.. probably about $30. That's a rough estimate.

Now consider the labour: 580 items which I have to do stuff to (pick up, put down, bend, hammer, pinch etc). Suppose it takes me 30 seconds to handle each item (it actually took more than that) that's 290 minutes, which is 4 hours 50 minutes. Roughly 5 hours work, spread out over a couple of weeks.

So how much do you think my time is worth?

I might actually wear jewelry if I had a Ravenclaw one of those

Now that's an interesting idea. I haven't thought about what would be particularly Ravenclaw-ish symbolism. I mean obviously the House colours, but it would need something more than that...

[tptigger]

t's a hobby, you have EVERY right to say no. Nor do you have to justify yourself to me. I also agree that would be a very expensive piece based on the work involved!

[miamadwyn]

That's gorgeous. I can't even imagine the intricacy of actually doing the work.

[kerravonsen]

Thank you!

About 500 rings in that necklace.

[dickgloucester]

*flails* SO BEAUTIFUL!

[kerravonsen]

(huge smile)
I didn't realize you were a Hufflepuff.

[dickgloucester]

Hee! Very much so, yes.

[bambu345]

This is gorgeous. At first, I thought you were making a Dumbledore reference, but then I read your explanation for the bee. It's fabulous, but then again, you're a very talented woman.

[kerravonsen]

Aw shucks. Thanks.

Yeah, Dumbledore = bee. I was kind of surprised that it didn't turn out that he was a bee Animagus...

[vjezkova.livejournal.com]

Again - brilliant. Also thank you for the information:-)

[kerravonsen]

8-)

[kittylefish.livejournal.com]

it's lovely!

[kerravonsen]

Thank you!

(LOL at the icon!)

[ziggythewalrus.livejournal.com]

Very attractive design! I enjoy necklaces with thick/complex chains.

[kerravonsen]

Thank you. 8-)