Final Work Showcase 8 (Silver Eagle Cuff Links)

A set of Cuff Links made from solid silver to represent stylized eagles. These were made end of 2013 for a matric dance. The eagle and its 9 pinion feathers were a pre-requisite of the client and thus purposely included. 

The rough finish and oxidizing was intended to tone down the " bling factor" and imbue the cuff links with a more down toned sophistication.

The final product was much appreciated by the client.

Find me on Instagram, (dukeofswann)

I have recently joined Instagram. This medium assists greatly in sharing as much of my work and even some of my life's experiences. Join me on Instagram if you'd like almost daily updates on my drawings, jewellery and some of my other hobbies. 

Here is a taste of some of my Instagram quik pics. 

A quick sketch done in marker pens and ball point pen. 

Silver and pearl earrings finished just yesterday. 

One of my dance performances.

Hope to see you on Instagram, (dukeofswann) 

Final Work Showcase 5 (Evenstar Pendant)

Hand crafted from solid silver and set with cubic zirconias, this pendant, inspired by the famous one from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy may also be made in white gold and diamonds. The quality and beauty surpasses any of the mass produced versions for sale on the internet (see for yourself). 

The pendant is approx 4cm in length and weighs about 13grams. 

For more info email the jeweller at danielgswan@hotmail.com. 

Final Work Showcase 4 (Barbie Doll Tiaras)

I have always loved crowns and tiaras. This passion started die to two major events that occurred in the 6th year of my life. I won a competition in my pre-school and part of the prize was to be crowned king of the pre-school. The cardboard crown became one of my favourite toys. This mind altering event was followed a few months later by the televised wedding of Princess Diana. Her scintillating tiara flashed so brightly that the sparkling seared itself into my mind forever. I had to be involved with that sparkle all my life, so I became a jeweller. Sadly, one hardly ever get the opportunity to make crowns and tiaras. In order to satiate my desire for surrounding myself with sparkly head jewellery, I began making them (from costume jewellery) for Barbie Dolls. It was actually this hobby, beginning at about age 12, that lead me to became a jeweller by trade. 

For today's post I thought I'd post on the only two "real" Barbie tiaras I've ever made. These two 1\6th scale (Barbie Doll Scale) tiaras are made from solid sterling silver and set with synthetic stones. I wish I had the ready cash to have made them in white gold and diamonds. 

Silver and Cubic Zirconia Barbie Doll Tiara.

Silver and Synthetic Sapphire and Cubic Zirconia Barbie Doll Tiara.

These tiaras are for sale or others could be designed from scratch. For more info, email me. 

danielgswan@hotmail.com

Work Classification (Jewellery Design and Manufacture)

This is my actual job, my bread and butter and it is the thing that has occupied most of my time over the last 20 years. I enjoy it and the odd chance that I might make a tiara (my absolute passion) also exists. Not a lot needs to be said except, I make all these pieces from scratch by hand. Sometimes I design from scratch too but that is rare. Most often a client has a set or at least vague idea with a photo or two to consider or just outright copy. 

Here is a drop in the bucket of all the jewellery I have made. 

Designed and manufactured in 2011 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in Silver with Red Cubic Zirconias.

Designed and manufactured in 2013 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in 9ct Yellow Gold and Silver with Synthetic Spinel and Cubic Zirconias.

Manufactured in 2013 by Daniel Swanepoel from a picture but to accommodate client's Diamonds in 18ct White Gold. 

Designed and manufactured in 2013 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in 9ct White Gold around a client's genuine Cameo and set with Diamonds. The piece can be worn alternatively as a brooch or pendant. 

Design adapted from a picture and manufactured in 2012 by Daniel Swanepoel in 18ct White Gold and set with Diamonds. 

Designed and manufactured in 2001 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in Silver.

Designed and manufactured in 2013 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in 9ct Yellow Gold and Silver to accommodate client's Cubic Zirconias.

Designed and manufactured in 2006 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in Silver and set with coloured Cubic Zirconias.

Designed and manufactured in 2011 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel to client's specifications to accommodate client's Diamonds and Tanzanite in 18ct White Gold.

Designed and manufactured in 2011 wholly by Daniel Swanepoel in Silver and set with Synthetic Amethyst.

Manufactured in 2011 by Daniel Swanepoel from a picture and set with Diamonds in 18ct White Gold. 

Manufactured in 2012 by Daniel Swanepoel from a picture and set with Diamonds in 18ct Yellow and White Gold.