Silver jewelry that I made <pics>

This last semester I took a jewelry making class in college. I wasn't very good at it, but it was very interesting to learn and I enjoyed making random things. The jewelry looks better in person, the lighting made all the scratches dark, in normal lighting you really don't notice them. Jewelry I could buy in the store looks so much better and its much less effort, but hey, whats the fun in that? ;)

The rings I made...these were done with lost wax casting. The object is carved out of wax first, then cast in metal. These are all sterling silver (the one on the right has a cubic zirconia cast in place stone). And yes, the one on the left says U2, that was the first one I made.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry02.jpg
Here's another view of the middle ring. It was supposed to be a belt buckle but I think it looks more like a dog collar.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry03.jpg
Another wax casting, its supposed to be a husky. The eye is another cubic zirconia stone, the rest is sterling silver. I wish I would have been able to smooth it out better.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry05.jpg
Paw prints, I made a few of these (sterling silver)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry07.jpg
Other things can be cast besides wax. Most organic objects will burn out as well. These were actually tiny pine cones, now cast in sterling silver.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry01.jpg

Solid gold traffic cones! :D Just kidding, they are brass. You had to have known something weird was coming, it is me after all. ;) These were cast from plastic toys.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry08.jpg
This was made with silver smithing, I'm not sure what kind of stone it is, it came with the kit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry04.jpg
My second attempt at silver smithing, this time I bought a turquoise stone (I love turquoise).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry09.jpg
Wire wrapping with sterling silver and I can't remember the exact name of the stone. I know it was supposed to be somewhat rare and called "flowering" something, I think it may be flowering obsidian. I really did not do well with the wire wrapping, it looks terrible. :o I may attempt that again sometime, except with a stone that has a flat back, its supposed to be easier that way.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../jewelry06.jpg

I love your cast wax stuff- I think this is a really difficult method and the items look gorgeous :)

WOW Amy!!! Those pieces are all so special. They are what I love about hand crafted jewelry. All are one of kind and so unique. You can never see someone else wearing the same piece. Have you thought about entering an art show with your work? It's usually the reason I go, to see the beautiful jewelry made by local people. Good luck with it. I hope you continue to enjoy this wonderful craft. :)

Those are wonderful! Great job; bet you A'd the class!

I loved them all (well, I am not sure what I would do with the traffic cones or the belt or U2 ring) but I think the one of the husky is cool it is unique and doesn't look all smooth and glossy. The pine cones are awesome! You are doing great!

Wow Amy.. those are beautiful!

By the way, I got your Christmas gift. I love the paw print necklace!! I can't believe you made that. That is awesome!

I love the paw print one,wouldn't mind having one of those myself,great job!!

WOW! Great job Amy!

I was LOL at the cones! :D
The paw prints are the best!!

Nice job Amy! The cones are so inventive. I bet they'd make nice necklaces. :D

Gorgeous work.

WOW!!.... very nice..... I must admit I liked the traffic cones :o ....;)

all was great...... but if you could make a couple husky earrings or a necklace......how much would you charge??......*insert interest here*

it´s soooo lovely......

Wow, beautiful! I love the paw print. The cones are adorable ;)

Wow, those are all really nice Amy! :D

Very awesome Amy! Of course I'm not surprised that you made cones...lol!
The husky is great, but my favorite is the pawprint;)

Thanks for sharing all these with us:)

Wow, those are cool! Love the husky (of course), the paw prints, the pine-cones (they're sooooo cute!) & the turquoise necklace is really awesome - wow, they're all nice!