brass and master key found object earrings

These brass and master key found object earrings are an ode to a particular and important time in my jewelry making phase. They represent the style of jewelry I explored when I first was convinced by Lori to sell my jewelry in Nashville, at her store Far East in the Wonders on Woodland Building. It was during this time that I moved into the realm of using brass and found objects, with a focus on new and unique cold connections that required me to be creative and problem solve in a whole new way. This was because I was using found objects and vintage pieces a lot more, all of which required slightly different techniques to get the look and suspension I wanted. 

These earrings use matching mini Master keys from my large key collection I have amassed over the years. I dole out various sizes, shapes, and marked keys from this collection very sparingly and only when I know it's 'right.' The brass components come from a supplier who has been in the industry for almost 100 years, specializing in handmade and machine made findings. This family builds the machinery to produce the findings, all of which are small-town USA made. Finding unique objects and components to assemble into something wearable is as important to my process as are the jewelry making techniques themselves!

Materials: brass, found master keys

Measurements:  earring length: 4 inches