#miniature jewlery

The Metropolis - Capital City.

I see a lot of watch innards in my work. Using a disassembled movement, the “skeleton” of any watch, as the basis for a tiny city has been rolling around in my head for a long time. Most of the holes for the “buildings” are already there. I sometimes need to pop the “jewels” out, usually low grade rubies, so all the holes are available. Many of the “buildings” are seriously tiny, sub 1 mm wide and a few millimetres high. They can also be very sharp. My first attempt wasn’t great as I couldn’t get the “buildings” straight and parallel. Take two using putty hardened before installing all the “buildings”. Third time’s the charm. A little futuristic city with a range of buildings, tiny details and a central “lake” using clear resin. You can’t really see it in the photos.

Here is the dilemma I faced:

It needed to be photographed without the glass so you can see the details, texture and how light plays off it at different angles. It is designed to be a pendant on a chain but for that use I have to stick down the glass dome permanently. If you want it as a piece of art, sculpture, desk ornament, assemblage - I can leave the glass unattached. If there was a way I could do both I would but I can’t see any way to do that using my current skills, supplies and equipment. If it’s displayed on a shelf close to eye level it would be great to keep the glass on to avoid dust but also be able to take the glass off to see all the minute detail. It will also get a lot of attention as a unique jewellery piece on a long chain.

So I leave that option to you - just let me know. It will be the same price for either option.

Components:

• Silver tone tubing - polished
• Two part putty
• Vintage silver tone watch movement
• Assorted watch stems
• Assorted watch bar springs
• Assorted winders
• Assorted balance staffs
• Earring posts
• Pins
• Electronic probes
• Clear resin
• Assorted tubing
• Miscellaneous parts
• Assorted crimps/beads
• Pinions
• Glass dome
• Brass disk
• Brass setting tray
• Eye up loop

Build time: 7 hours

Under the glass dome the pendant is just under 2 inches (4.5cm) high and 1 inch (2.4cm) wide. The chain would be brass gold tone rollo link at the length you would like to wear it at with a lobster claw clasp.

Thanks for looking!

Orrery Locket

I wasn’t sure why I bought the ball locket from one of my regular suppliers but I’m glad I did. I really wanted to attempt putting an orrery model in something that small. It was far too small for arms or any rotation so it’s fixed - no movement at all. The gears are there to imply movement - nothing more. I created the black round ½ ball base in black resin. It is held there by a screw through the base of the locket and into the resin. The next challenge was finding ball head pins to represent all the planets within our solar system. Sorry to Pluto but there was no room left.

Perfect to add the wow factor to your Victorian and/or Steampunk costume but versatile (and symbolic) enough to be worn with contemporary fashion. It’s on a very long (Gatsby length) chain so it sits low on the body. This will be a great length so it’s easier to show friends and family without getting yanked or strangled.

Components:
Bought filigree textured highed ball locket
Black resin ½ ball
Assorted ball pins
Thin hollow pipes
Screw
Vintage gears
Brass washer wing
Brass tone rolo chain
Assorted rings
Lobster claw clasp

Build time: 7 hours

The pendant is just under 1 inches (2.4cm) wide and 2 inches (4cm) long including two large hanging links. The chain is brass gold tone rollo link, 36 inches long with a copper tone lobster claw clasp. It is designed to be worn low but can be altered if required.

Thanks for looking!

Tritium Powered Assassin Bug

No, not really “powered” by tritium but that would be fantastic.  It’s just a fantasy mechanical winged insect with a tritium rod in the abdomen.It’s hanging from a stick pin so it can attached to clothing.  The legs are vintage watch stems attached to brass rods.  Nearly every connection is nuts and bolts - tiny nuts and bolts.  The centre piece is brass with a square top screw securing the glass vial to the body and head.It’s estimated the green tritium will glow continuously for 10 to 12 years.  It doesn’t need “charging” from a light source like regular glow in the dark.  

It’s 1 ½ inches long, just over 1 inch wide and stands ½ an inch high.  It’s US$185 shipping included.  If you are interested in buying it - drop me a line with your paypal email address and I’ll invoice you.  

“Solaris” and “Venus Orbit”

I don’t want to be repetitive listing these solar system globes here but I’ve just listed two more smaller versions - “Solaris” and “Venus Orbit” in my Etsy shop.  I’m selling them for US$145 plus US$7 tracked shipping.  

  https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/606053102/orrery-miniature-solar-system-glass