The Pansies are back!

Way back in the mists of time (OK, it was about 2011 but a  lot has happened since then) I made some pansy stud earrings from anodised aluminimum. Over ten year later I've made a few changes and brought the pansies back.

Each pansy is hand coloured, over dyed and sealed before being hand cut, shaped and drilled. The little pansies measure approximately 10mm across and 11mm top to bottom. The dark pink anodised Niobium ear wires are 15mm long so the earrings have a total drop of 25mm. You can find out more about hypoallergenic Niobium in the 'What is Niobium?' but if you'd prefer sterling silver ear wires, just let me know, They won't be long like the ones shown here but I can offer you the standard 12mm version (shown in the final image with different pansies)

This first crop of pansy earrings are a one of a kind items, the ones you see pictured are the ones you will receive. Earrings will be presented in a gift box with silicon stoppers as no one likes lost earrings

* Just to help you with pansy identification - I've called the versions with different colour petals 'Viola' and given the top colour first. 'With' refers to the accent colour of the lines and 'shadow' is the additional colour around the centre. 

What is anodised Aluminium?

Aluminium can be anodised by submerging it in acid and subjecting it to an electric current. The result is a microscopic honeycomb surface which will readily accept coloured dyes in the little honeycomb 'cells'. The colour can be permanently sealed into those cells with heat/steam

Aluminium is widely recycled and can go through the recycling system an almost limitless number of times. Obviously I'd prefer you keep your earrings for ever but it's good to know they can be recycled isn't it?

What is Niobium?

Niobium is a metallic element that, a bit like Aluminium, can be anodised and coloured. It's a little stiffer than aluminium so is great for coloured earring posts and wires. It's also hypoallergenic - the sealed anodised surface is not reactive and its not alloyed with other metals like copper which you find in sterling silver.