Beady Eyed Bunny: history hop blog gemstone ancient roman brass serpent snake coiling lapis lazuli era time jewelry handmade

Today is the reveal day for the History Hop. It's a hop that takes you back in time to appreciate the beauty and styles of jewelry - from the ancient to the 20th century.

This is the first blog hop I've hosted, and I couldn't be more pleased that 20 other artists decided to join me. I'd like to thank Sandra Wollberg again for sharing the beautiful blog hop button she made for us. Thanks Sandra!

And thank you all for participating! Now let the fun begin...

Ancient Rome

Ever since I went to the British Museum in London, I've been in love with Roman jewelry. That's probably the reason I started this blog hop.

At the museum, I recognized some of the gemstones that Romans used. Carnelian, onyx, lapiz...Serpents, wire, bangles, and gold were popular. I found a lot of helpful information here and used it as a reference for my design.

What did I make? I didn't have a plan, really. I ordered some very thick 2.9mm brass wire from my friend Tanya, of PloiThai. I immediately started working on a bracelet. But instead of cutting it down, I used the entire length to make a meandering zigzag. What did that look like? A snake!

Coiling serpents were often used in Roman times and symbolized immortality. Mine wasn't real gold, but the brass polished to a beautiful golden shine. I shaped my snake, hammered it, and etched in a pattern for the scales.

I didn't want to cover the snake, so I wire wrapped gemstones around the circular part. I dug through my stash and found carnelian, lapis lazuli, tiny topaz, and some blue sapphires Tanya sent me.

I secured the stones with more brass wire creating a decorative pattern as I went. I didn't want to over complicate it. See the sapphires? There's a tiny topaz nestled between them.

The bangle can be worn with the snake going up or down the arm. It's a comfy fit mid-forearm or works well around the wrist with the tail trailing along your hand.

Going up...

...and down.

I'm planning to make more Roman inspired jewelry, as well as exploring other time periods. I love how naturally this piece came together. It's Roman inspired with my own wire twist.

Below is the full list of participants. Be sure to check out their blogs as they post throughout the day. I can't wait to see what everyone made.

Happy hopping!

Ahowin - Art Nouveau www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com

Alicia Marinache – Victorian http://www.allprettythings.ca/

Becca's Place – Renaissance www.godsartistinresidence.blogspot.com

Beti Horvath – Ancient Egypt and Art Deco www.stringingfool.blogspot.com

Cherry Obsidia – Ancient Mecynae Greece www.cherryobsidia.blogspot.com

Cooky – Renaissance www.shepherdessbeads.com/Blog.html

Jamie Shipp – Middle Ages www.celebratinglifewithdamamashipp.blogspot.com/

Jennifer Davies-Reazor – Medieval www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog

Kathleen Douglas – Indus Valley www.washoekat.blogspot.com

Kashmira Patel – Etruscan www.sadafulee.blogspot.com

Lady Grey – Victorian www.beadsteaandsweets.blogspot.com

Laney Mead – Pre-Columbian www.laney-izzybeads.blogspot.co.uk