Sterling retailer Silver Broomcast Pendant, handmade, optional sterling silver chain

This is a one-of-a-kind handmade broomcast sterling silver pendant on an optional 18 inch silver chain. Casting in broom straw gives this piece an elegant, fluid look. The sterling silver is melted in a crucible, then poured quickly down the upturned broom. Broomcasts are a matter of serendipity, and no two are alike. Playtime for silversmiths!

Let me introduce myself: I am Joy McDonell, a retailer Canadian jewellery artist who has practised stone cutting and polishing at the Ottawa Lapsmith and Mineral Club, and metalsmithing in my studio, for over 20 years. My tastes and designs are very eclectic, as you can see from visiting my Etsy shop, JoyMcDonellJewellery. My background in photography has informed my work, and I am inspired by natural objects and by the culture and motifs I have encountered throughout my travels to places like India, Scotland, Ireland and the American Southwest.

A word about the care of sterling silver jewellery. It does tarnish when exposed to air. That is because it is 925 parts per thousand silver and 75 parts per thousand copper. So don't leave it lying around, jumbled up with other jewellery. Keep it in a sealed plastic bag or a box. I usually include a small piece of tarnish-resistant tissue with my silver pieces. A soft silver cloth every now and then does wonders, as does wearing your silver jewellery often.

In an effort to get your item(s) to you as safely as possible, I usually wrap them in tissue and place them in a gift bag or box, then wrap them in bubble wrap and ship them in a cardboard box or bubble envelope.