Mechanical heart

by Jim Osment
(Brisbane Australia)

I love copper and brass mixed metal jewellery and some of the steampunk jewellery as well. Much of what is called steampunk is also truly hideous!

I like to make things from raw materials to create something truly unique.I also enjoy recycling old clock and watch parts and other bits of machinery and hardware.

This is my Mechanical heart pendant.

I started with a flat piece of brass and hammered out a quite large and deeply dished heart,leaving a distinct "hand hammered" texture. Next I cut a big ragged hole in it with my little jewelers saw. All the little cogs and bits inside are either silver soldered or riveted on to a bit of copper which in turn was soldered into the back of the heart. I hate the little jump ring things which always seem so insecure,so I cut a little strip of brass to make a solid bail and riveted it on. No glue no paint no varnish, just the way I like it! It has been buffed up a bit using calico and sisal buffing wheels, but much of it is still oxidized from the red heat required for silver soldering.

Jim Osment
Hammered Hearts