
I just finished this piece last night, using filigree charms, metal tubes, brass findings and chain, vintage pocket watch parts, and Czech glass. I particularly love the floral button, which was made using a spring case from a broken pocket watch (note the gear teeth around the edge of it), a padded fabric brad from a craft store, and a brass filigree backing (see enlarged picture below for detail). The brass bit in the center is also from a pocket watch, a piece of the internal workings, and even though it was not intended to be visible while the watch was in working order, it is still engraved with lovely scrollwork. It also has some patina, as it is from a vintage, broken watch. Necklace is a one-of-a-kind unique creation, handmade in the Monkeyshines studio.
UPDATE 02.21.2008: This item was sold via eBay auction for $89.99.

Note from Jen: My steampunk jewelry is inspired by Da Vinci, Jules Verne, Oscar Wilde, H.G. Wells, the Victorian period, Belle Epoque, Edwardian era, art nouveau, and other similar historic and literary sources. I love movies like ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ ‘Wild Wild West,’ ‘Return to Oz,’ ‘Stardust,’ and the Harry Potter films. I loved the movies ‘Time Machine,’ ‘Somewhere in Time,’ and ‘Time After Time’ when I was younger. For several years now, I’ve been making jewelry inspired by art nouveau and earlier eras, and jewelry using vintage materials. Last year I began making pieces inspired by the steampunk mechanized brass aesthetic. While intended to be worn as jewelry, please keep in mind that my creations are also individual works of art and should be handled with care.
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