Artisan Opal Brooch: Non-Piercing & Sterling Silver Magic!

Titled "Down Under," this piece reminded me of the Great Barrier Reef when it was finished.
I used a torch to fuse sterling silver sheet and wire together at around 1600 degrees. Creating each piece is an adventure, because although I have a lot of control and experience, silver sometimes melts in unexpected ways, making each piece one of a kind.
I used shell, coral and sea grass shaped pieces of silver to add details,then bezel set an Australian opal to complete the piece. My unique system of using 4 magnets holds the fused brooch on any type of clothing securely without damage to clothes and can be worn either vertically or horizontally.
Handmade in the USA and signed, dated and copyrighted by Laura Wilson.