When a pair of skilled hands works with a sheet of metal, it does not just hammer on that hard surface. Sometimes those hands chisel a design into that shiny surface. Sometimes they use a sharp implement to engrave a design. At times a craftsman decides to press on a sheet, rather than hammer it. If he presses on the reverse side, then he carries out a process called repousse. Granulation allows craftsmen to employ yet another technique. It calls for decorating a sheet with tiny metal granules.
Sometimes a series of linked loops serves as the basis for a piece of ankle jewelry. In that case, the finished product displays more flexibility than a stiff sheet. However, the chain-like piece needs something that can be used to hold the two ends together. While a latch can carry out that function, so can a screw like element. Threading experts know how to make the tiny screws that are often placed at each end of an anklet. One short, thread bearing bar fits into a small thread lined ball.
Both gold and silver pieces have become the focus of a threading expert. Both metals are used in gift items, when such items have been designed to go around the ankle. At times a jeweler adds an extender to a metallic band, so that it can be adjusted, and thus fit any size ankle.
Most people do not associate the joint that links the leg and the foot with bells. Yet many of the men in India dream about hearing the bells of an anklet. In that country, many brides wear bell-bearing items around their legs, down close to their feet. As they carry out their household chores, their husbands relish the sound produced by the metallic ornaments on their ankle jewelry.
Still bells are not the only symbol used on ankle bands. In fact, customers who go online to find and order ankle jewelry seldom ask for something that contains bells. Hearts are the symbol that a majority of customers want to have placed on an anklet. Tiny dolphins are another figure that women like to see on a gold or silver chain. Perhaps they believe that by wearing something that contains dolphins they can swim through life, in the same way that a dolphin swims through water.
Sometimes such symbols get attached to a series of selected links. At other times they are linked to a simple metal band. In certain pieces they have actually been incorporated into the line of elements that has been used to circle one or both ankles. In the latter case, the heart is definitely the symbol of choice.
Photos by jewelrykeywest.com
No comments:
Post a Comment