Polished electroform sterling silver pendant, the design is inspired by the Maori matua (fish hook), and a spiral evoking waves. Length 50mm, width 28mm.

Matau (Fish Hook)
Originally the Maori have been fishermen. Their main food source was the sea so a fish hook of high quality was a valuable item to posses.

Worn around the neck the hook became a symbol of prosperity, abundance, good health, power, authority, and respect for the sea and its life in it. It is also believed to provide good luck and safety while traveling over water.

The Maori fish hook symbol refers to being dependent on the sea for their food gathering. The matau is a talisman for good luck.

This design is made using the electroforming process, which is the formation of a layer of sterling silver over a mold of resin (similar to hard plastic). This method allows the creation of beautifully designed sterling silver jewellery, sculptures and silverware with stunning detail in any shape or size without the heavy weight and cost that is typical to conventional solid sterling silver. The electroforming process is when the artist takes the resin mold and puts it in a tub of charged sterling silver. Over a 10-12 hour process, the sterling electrically forms (i.e. electroform) itself to the mold. Then, the artist removes the piece and handcrafts more details, including oxidation for depth. After the final designs, a clear coat is added to the sculptures. This coat prevents tarnishing. No need to polish! This insures your piece will last a lifetime! There is a vast difference between electroforming sterling silver and silver plate. As opposed to the electroforming process mentioned above, silver plating is not sterling silver. With plating, a mold is quickly dipped in a silver-colored metal alloy. The process takes seconds and the silver alloy will not last a long time. There is an immense difference in the quality.