Hallmarked solid sterling silver snowflake by Abbie Dixon. Handmade in Co. Down, Northern Ireland.

‘Snowflakes begin to fomr when a water droplet freezes onto a dust particle in the sky. The ice crystal has a six fold structure which “grows” as it falls. New crystals build the arms of the snowflake by a process called dendritic growth. Dendrite means “tree like”.

The original model for this snowflake was “grown” in copper. A basic wire model was suspended in electrolyte with a low current passing through it for several days. Slowly the copper crystal formed on the wire, also by dendritic growth. The delicate structure was then moulded and cast in solid sterling silver.’

About the Maker: 

Abbie’s work  is all about the textures, patterns and forms created by nature. She aims to make metal have a soft, organic, individual quality. Her pieces are handcrafted and cast in precious metal by the lost wax method.  and some are set with natural gemstones.