One-of-a-kind Anna Sheffield Claw Talisman Necklace, now on sale exclusively at Ahalife!
Q&A with Anna Sheffield:
What inspired you to create the Claw Talisman Necklace?
The claw pieces are part of the La Chasse collection in my line, which is designed around the theme of the hunt as it relates to flora and, in this case, fauna. The hooves and claws symbolize the kind of benevolent and fierce qualities of the chase. And the jewelry is a means to impart that magical interaction between these two elements.
How was this it made?
I came across an actual wolf’s claw and thought it was such an elegant form, so I had a mold made and cast it in silver. I then sawed the top from the talon part so that I could make the piece in two parts, one gold and one silver (though some are made in all gold). Once reassembled, I devised the bail and the chain drop down for the pendant. Then I strung the necklace chains, which are layered in three varieties then joined to a thinner chain that runs around the neck. Everything was adjusted link by link to achieve the perfect balance.
What was the big aha! you had while creating it?
The big aha! would be the double-sided pavé gemstones and the chains that drop down in an inverted ‘Y’ to hold the pendant. It’s a cross between a Victorian fob and a re-imagined alchemist’s amulet.
Can you describe your creative process?
Euphoric.
What do you love about what you do?
Sitting down at the bench and making the prototypes by hand are by far the best hours spent in my studio.
How would you sum up your aesthetic/design philosophy?
I like to take methods or ideas and mull them over. I flip things around and make unusual decisions, which hopefully result in a contrast or dichotomy of tough and feminine…. or as I always say, giving a nod to salty and sweet.