Band is hand-hammered nickel-silver with brass pattern wire embellishments. The Stag is etched copper, and enameled. The jewels are imitation amber.
I tried experimenting with a few new techniques where after I hammered and polished the band, I plated with copper, and then polished again. It provides a very subtle color variation in the hammer strikes and accentuates the mixed metal color palette of the piece. The stag centerpiece was also a bit if experimentation where I etched the copper in acid, and then carbonized the enamel in the etch-lines to provide a contrast. Needs a little refining to improve, but overall, it worked.
The Nickel silver band was annealed repeatedly to allow for the depth of the hammer marks. I used a small ball peen hammer to create the texture across the band. You will note the lack of texture on the anvil at the start of the process compared to the end. That is what comes from acquiring inexpensive anvil from the freight of Harbor.
The etching of the Stag was done a little differently than normal. Typically I would apply the mask to prevent etching, but this time, I masked the entire copper plate using paint and then removed the paint using a sharp stylus crafted from a hardened nail to allow the acid to etch the design deeper into the plate.
The borders and the stag plate are pinned to the band with brass nails peened and soldered to give strength to bond. The bezels are adhered using modern glue as are the imitation amber stones themselves as they were light enough and non load bearing to not require the additional hold of pinning.
The final touch was the additional of the removeable faux fur liner to the inside. It help obscure the pins and solder while providing comfort and extra aesthetic. Can be swapped out for leather liner for warmer seasons.
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