Real Star Anise Plated with Copper with Swarovski Crystal

The star anise spice has such an amazing shape that I wanted to showcase it permanently. I plated copper over it so the star anise is still inside the metal, forever encased. For a little sparkle, I added a dark rainbow Swarovski crystal to the center. I let the copper "crawl" up partially onto the crystal to hold it firmly in place. This pendant comes with the matching chain pictured. The chain is 22 inches long plus a 2-inch extender. The electroforming process takes several days to complete, starting with sealing the item in three coats of lacquer. A conductive paint is added, then the piece goes into a copper chemical solution where electricity slowly encourages copper to plate onto the item over the course of many hours or days. When gems or other complexities are added, additional steps are taken. Once the item has partially plated, the gems are set in place with epoxy clay that hardens for 24 hours. More conductive paint is added and the piece goes back into the electroforming solution for several more hours. Finally, a patina is added to mimic time wearing at the copper, then highlights are polished out and the entire piece is sealed for protection. Although sealed, copper shouldn't be submersed in or exposed to water or harsh elements. If the copper rests against skin, skin can sometimes turn green when there is moisture present - this is normal and will go away once the copper is no longer present. Note that I haven't had this happen with necklaces myself, only rings since hands are much more moist. Copper can continue to patina, aging naturally over time. Treat your new statement necklace with care and it will become a lasting heirloom. All purchases are sent in a gift bag.