The Beauty Behind .925 Silver: Crafting Beauty from Tradition
At Twisted Ginger Jewelry, craftsmanship isn't just about making beautiful pieces—it's about preserving ancient techniques and honoring the journey that brought me here. It's a true passion for the art of silversmithing—the way the flame's heat gently warms your face as you watch the silver glow transforming into its molten form, ready to be shaped into something beautiful. My jewelry is crafted with .925 sterling silver, a material known for its durability and natural beauty, but there's so much more to the story.
Why .925 Silver?
What exactly is .925 Sterling Silver? It blends 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy, typically copper. This combination strengthens the naturally soft silver, making it perfect for jewelry that can withstand everyday wear without losing its luster. While I purchase sheets of silver from Rio Grande to ensure consistency and quality in my studio—and because I don’t have the space or tools to create sheet silver myself—my deeper understanding of the silversmithing process, from melting the metals to pounding them into sheets, came from a special place: Bali.
From Fire to Form: The Journey of Silver Sheet Metal
Walking into the furnace felt like stepping into another world—the heat was intense, far beyond anything I'd experienced before. Combined with the hot Bali weather, this was easily the hottest room in the outdoor factory. The process begins with melting the Silver and alloy and transforming it into molten form. Once ready, the molten Silver is poured into molds, forming solid bricks, which are then quickly scorched in a water bath to cool.
But that's just the beginning. The cooled silver bricks are hand-hammered to soften, preparing them for the next step: running through the rolling mill to stretch them into sheets. The Silver is heated again and torched to anneal (soften) the metal before being scorched, hammered, and rolled again. This process repeats—hammer, torch, roll—until the Silver is stretched thin enough to become sheet metal, ready to be shaped into jewelry.
This entire process, from the intense heat to the careful craftsmanship, is mesmerizing. Watching the raw materials transform into something so malleable and beautiful reminds me why I fell in love with this craft. Each step is a testament to the dedication and mastery required in silversmithing.
My Journey to Bali: Unlocking the Secrets of Granulation
One of the most pivotal experiences in my journey was my trip to Bali, where I learned an ancient technique that had fascinated me for over a decade: granulation.
My fascination with jewelry started long before I began making it. I've always been drawn to the intricate designs and the history behind them, especially when visiting museums. Without fail, I would find myself mesmerized by the jewelry on display—particularly by the delicate granulation patterns, where tiny silver balls are soldered in perfect alignment, known in the jewelry world as granulation.
I was endlessly curious about how these little balls were placed so neatly, but the technique behind this craftsmanship was always a mystery. Granulation is a closely guarded technique, something not easily found online or in books. It's been protected by master artisans for centuries, so learning the method firsthand in Bali was an honor.
They even showed me how to make a natural glue from local fruit, which holds the tiny silver balls in place during the soldering process so they don't fly away when you hit them with your torch flame.
Learning this technique was a full-circle moment for me. After years of wondering and observing, I finally saw granulation up close and understood its intricacies. Now, I use these same techniques in my shop, continuing the tradition I learned in Bali.
The tiny silver balls you see in some of my pieces are symbolic of the ever present dew drops of the Alaskan rainforests and a tribute to that history, a reflection of the incredible craftsmanship I was so fortunate to learn. You can explore my granulated designs, Willow Wisp Hoops, Goddess Hoops, Valkyrie Woodland Shields and Enchanted Earrings and see how this ancient technique continues to inspire modern creations.
Why Handmade Matters: Preserving the Ancient Art of Silversmithing
When I decided to expand Twisted Ginger Jewelry and accepted that I would need support with production, I knew one thing for sure: the handmade quality of my jewelry needed to remain intact. That was a non-negotiable for me. My pieces are more than beautiful accessories—they carry energy, tradition, and meaning. That's why I chose to partner with silversmiths in Bali, where silversmithing is not just a craft but a way of life.
Bali's silversmithing tradition is rich in history and deeply rooted in their culture. Silversmiths in Bali have been perfecting their craft for over a thousand years, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation. When I visited Bali last year, I could watch these artisans' work and felt a deep connection to their dedication and mastery. From watching their bare feet pump the Kempos, a torch powered by a bellow pumping oxygen into the torch, to the way their hands move effortlessly soldering every tiny detail.
I was fortunate enough to become part of this tradition during my time there, and it became more than just a business relationship—it became a personal connection rooted in friendship and mutual respect.
From the moment I arrived, the artisans welcomed me into their world with open arms. It's not typical for designers to immerse themselves in the smithing room, but I wanted to feel the energy that goes into crafting each piece, to laugh and smile alongside the smiths, and to learn from them directly. They invited me to sit down and smith with them—a first for their tiny factory—and it was an experience I'll never forget. We shared stories, exchanged ideas, and built a bond beyond jewelry and language barriers, we shared a common love for silversmithing.
I didn't just learn silversmithing techniques in Bali; I became part of their family. I was honored to participate in their cultural ceremonies and traditions, immersing myself fully in the experience. These weren't just coworkers; they were friends, and now we share family photos, chat regularly, and stay connected throughout the year. I look forward to returning to Bali year after year to share my latest designs and continue learning from the artisans who have become more than my team; they've become my family.
This partnership is unique because it allows me to preserve the authenticity and handmade integrity of Twisted Ginger Jewelry and keeps the jobs in the hands of humans. Each piece is infused with the energy, history, and craftsmanship of these artisans—centuries of skill carry in every creation. By keeping the production in human hands rather than outsourcing to machines or mass production, I'm ensuring that the tradition and quality of handmade jewelry lives on.
Handmade from Start to Finish: A Labor of Love
Whether working in my studio here at home or collaborating with my team in Bali, each piece of Twisted Ginger Jewelry is handmade with care and intention. The granulation technique I learned in Bali is just one of the many methods I use to create unique designs that reflect tradition and innovation. From sheets of silver, to the final polish before packaging, every step is done by hand.
When you wear Twisted Ginger Jewelry, you're not just wearing a beautiful accessory—you're wearing a piece of history. You're carrying a story that spans centuries, connecting the past with the present through the art of silversmithing.
