Kirra-Lea Caynes' upside down tear-shaped pendant is made from sand cast sterling silver.
Eight sapphires have been cast-in-place, mostly across the front of the pendant. The sapphires are in an array of green tones.
The pendant is hung on a sterling silver chain from a jumpring.
Chain length: 55cm
Materials: Australian Sapphires, Sterling Silver
Pendant Dimensions: 25mm x 12mm x 3mm
Stone width: 1-3mm
Based in Tasmania, Australia, Kirra-lea works as the sole manufacturer and designer from her home studio. She has collected sticks and twigs from her surroundings as she walks through her garden, or when visiting friends and camping at landmark destinations including Wilson's Promontory, Victoria. Only the most unique and beautifully textured twigs are used to build the base of her designs.
Kirra-lea is also an accomplished sand caster and specialises in cast-in-place rough sapphires. This unique skill has enabled her to travel around Australia teaching fellow jewellers and novices alike the ancient technique. All her rough sapphires are Australian mined by small family businesses and hobbyists. Kirra-lea also makes fossicking trips into the Tasmanian wilderness where she finds her own rough gemstones in the pristine North East rivers. The riverbanks are also a great source for interesting sticks and twigs to incorporate into her designs.
Kirra-lea has won multiple competitions, including The JAA Jewellery Awards, DGA Design Awards, and most recently Jeweller of the Year in the 2019 JAA Design competition.
Kirra-lea is a qualified jeweller with over 10 years’ experience. She specialises in hand-crafted sterling silver and gold jewellery that is inspired by nature.
