Argentium Silver Crystal AB Curls by Meg Black-Smith
These earrings are lightweight and fun to wear. They are perfect for everyday use as well as for going out. The Swarovski Crystal Cubes are attached at the end of curly wires. These crystals are clear with an Aurora Borealis (AB) coating, which picks up many colors and goes with practically everything. Meg makes each pair by hand, cutting the wires, shaping them, hammering them, polishing them and setting the crystals. The material Meg uses is Argentium sterling, a new sterling that is very slow to tarnish, actually about 7 times slower. They look great on everyone.
Born in California and raised in Venezuela, Meg became enamored with jewelry early on, first by having fun going through her grandmother’s wonderful jewelry box and later when she became aware of the exquisitely designed creations of Venezuelan artisans. The interest in jewelry continued through the years and a serious study of jewelry making began in 1975 when she apprenticed for two years with Elfstone Jewelers on Cape Cod, Mass. Meg moved to Davis in 1978, started up her own jewelry business, and worked at the Silo Craft Center for 7 years, teaching jewelry making. In 1984, Meg and her husband moved to Nevada City.
For over 40 years, Meg has been designing and making beautiful, limited edition, wearable jewelry. She primarily works in sterling silver and often adds karat gold drops or leaves to her pendants. She also uses Argentium, a new sterling that is very slow tarnishing. Meg has shown her work in many galleries over the years and participated in over 600 art and craft shows throughout the country. The gemstones that Meg uses in her designs are thoughtfully varied and come from all over the world. Some she and her husband have actually imported themselves from Brazil. Meg enjoys combining colors of gemstones in her work and creating exclusive jewelry that will get people noticed. Meg thinks of her creations as snowflakes, each unique and special. Her work is designed to be worn and to be enjoyed.