CLG Designs is one-of-a-kind jewelry hand fabricated in Reno, NV by designer and artist, Cynthia Green. The exotic and organic designs are primarily inspired by elements in nature, flowers, vintage and cultural illustrations etc.
MATERIALS include .925 sterling silver, 14k & 18k gold, and/or copper sheet procured from supply companies in the U.S. A "premium" sterling silver called Argentium® is often used which has a low copper content, making it whiter, brighter, and resistant to tarnishing. Pieces made with Argentium® are stamped with the Pegasus (flying unicorn) trademark. (see more at http://Argentiumsilver.com).
Cynthia's creations include colorful gemstones of Labradorite, Montana agate, Fire Agate, Turquoise, Smithsonite, Opal, Pearls, Fossils, and more. Each stone is hand selected from lapidary artists including Battle Mountain "Blue Gem" Turquoise from Nevada. Most lapidary artists are independent miners and diggers themselves adding a level of uniqueness and history to each piece. Her designs are often driven by the stone itself, usually a flower (Lilly, Lotus, Poppy etc.) or other organic shape.
TOOLS: Key tools include various forging and dapping hammers, found objects, picks, and sand papers used to create unique textures and finishes. I also use varied soldering torches, a kiln, flex shaft / drills and jeweler's saw. Each one-of-a-kind piece is hand forged and fabricated by me; never cast or duplicated.
CREATIVE TECHNIQUE: Each piece begins with a sketch surrounding the stone to be set; brainstorming with textures and shapes until the design is ready. The sketch is used as a template to cut the piece out of sterling sheet. In some instances, two or more layers of silver will be used to create depth and dimension with soldering, rivets or wire. Wire curls and admonishments also add a twist to the design. Creative bezel settings are another way to add interest.
Cynthia's pieces are also often identified by a window cut-out or scribe created under the stone. If the stone is beautiful on the bottom, why hide it? The window illuminates the gem and makes the pendant look pretty from underneath.
FINISHING: Once the pieces are cut, a texture is applied with dapping tools. The bezel is soldered and pieces assembled. Then, with a flower pendant for instance, the metal will be softened by annealing with flame, then the petals are molded a bit to give a sense of flutter and movement.
The piece is then sanded with 3 different grits of paper followed by tumbling, giving it a brilliant professional shine. A patina may then be added to bring out the texture and wah-lah . . . it comes to life!
