Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Making of a Memory Horseshoe Pendant

Gabriel from Guardian Animal Aftercare, in Sun Valley, CA, helps many people who have lost a beloved pet, including horses. For several years now he has asked me to make a pendant that can hold cremains of a horse in the shape of a horseshoe. 

Back of Horseshoe Memory Pendant

 

Well, after considerable thought here are some illustrations for the new pendant.

 

First, I wasn't sure if I should have the shoe pointed up or down or sideways . Then I remembered the concept of "good luck" with horseshoes pointing up . . . . so there wasn't much of a choice ~ up was selected.

 

Next, I considered the "type" of shoe. There are so many charms out there with all kinds of details.  I must have looked at hundreds of charms and really didn't like any of them. Finally, I decided to just to keep it as simple and clean like my Puppy Paws . . . . a contemporary clean design. 

Side of Memory Horseshoe Pendant

 

A clean design always seems to work best for my taste PLUS I re focused on the most important aspect of this pendant ~ that being the cremains that will be installed!

 

The weight of the pendant is also important to me. I know that silver and gold are outrageously costly these days but I like to "feel" the pendant that I'm wearing so I make sure that it's not too light.

 

Now the channel. It has be be deep enough to hold cremains. This one will be perfect. The design will also be able to hold a gemstone perfectly at the base of the inside part of the pendant ~ how cool is that going to be!

Front of the Memory Horseshoe Pendant

 

Finally, width. I took some artistic license to make the back of the pendant easily engraveable. This way the name of the horse can easily be engraved on the back.

 

Now I wait. Once I get my new molds and waxes off they go to NYC for my artists to make that actual pieces in sterling silver. 

 

I'll keep you posted.