Mourning Dove Necklace

This necklace is inspired by the dead pigeons I would find on the sidewalks near the B/Q subway station in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. While I at first thought they were falling from the tracks, I unfortunately soon realized people were purposefully crushing them to death. I think of this necklace as a mourning piece for these birds and animals in general whose lives are cut short due to the horrible cruelty of people.

The enameled bird features a gradient of tiny red beads spilling out from the chest, adding movement and beauty while also depicting blood. It's set on a sterling silver backing that has snowdrop silhouettes pierced out to provide a colorful surprise on the back, and because of snowdrops symbolism surrounding both death and innocence. The pendant is suspended from handmade sterling silver paperclip chain that's finished off with a toggle clasp.

materials: enamel, watercolor enamel, sterling silver, copper, seed beads, thread

necklace length: 31"

pendant length: 3"

pendant width: 1 3/4"

*sterling silver tarnishes over time from being touched but can be gently rubbed with polishing cloth to clean