This ornate piece of jewellery took around 25 hours of concentrated beading. I had a general shape in mind, but the design came together in sections that were pieced together like a patch-work. The materials are metallic glass Delica seed beads, natural freshwater pearls, and Austrian crystal beads.
I originally created this for a photoshoot orchestrated by internationally acclaimed hairdresser Kylie Hayes, who subsequently won the award for Editorial Stylist of the Year Cover Shot for NZARH Industry Awards 2020.
The piece was made as one of two earrings. Yes. This was an earring, as big as a face.
The piece has become an Art Deco style tapestry necklace that sits as a breastplate, suspended by multiple strands of pearl and bead chain.