Quail Cuff Bracelet

Part of a set (bracelet and belt buckle) commissioned for a wedding gift. It's a wide cuff, 1.5" at the center with a gentle slope to 1.25" on the ends. I started with 14 gauge sterling silver and hammered the hell out of it to give it a lovely hammermark pattern. Then I chased (using a tiny chisel!) the pair of quail in and added extra detail with a few flex shaft attachments. Blackened, sanded and polished. And for good measure I threw it in the tumbler for 4 hours. I had no idea it would turn out as well as it did, I've never drawn quail before- much less immortalized them in metal!

I'm in trouble. I like it so much I don't want to give it up! Now I have to make one for me. (woe!) I'll post a "making of" collage as well as the matching belt buckle once I've finished it.

design © sara kate studios, sara kate otero