Paisley Penannular Brooch - Copper and faceted Opal - Celtic , Viking or Scottish pin

A Copper and faceted Smokey Ethiopian Opal Paisley Penannular Brooch. I was inspired to make this piece by the beautiful Celtic and Viking brooches. The simple mechanics of this style of fastening makes it suitable to use as a brooch or scarf, kilt or hat pin. The last image in the sequence shows you how to wear it.

I have made the brooch with very thick copper wires to form the shape, which I have hand forged and then hammered, to create texture and an attractive pattern, this also makes the structure very strong. I have then formed a flourish for the center of the Paisley shape, which I have attached to the main frame using a thinner wire which has been woven and wrapped to secure the wire detail and stone in position.

The pin is made from thick 2mm wire, which I have filed and sanded into a point. I have created a layered effect on the hinge of the pin, by hammering the end, so that it splays outwards, then rolling it on itself, so that it overlaps. The thick wire of the pin makes this brooch unsuitable for delicate fabrics. It is perfect for chunky knits!

The brooch measures 2 1/4” across and 2 1/4” tall and the pin is 3” long.

This item comes in a jewellery box.