Cristallum Spectro Incantamen

Here is the second quartz crystal charm necklace.

Cristallum Spectro Incantamen, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Quartz Crystal 

I really enjoy making these pieces and I hope to make more.

Cristallum Spectro Incantamen, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Quartz Crystal  

They are rather labor intensive to make, because I fabricate each chain by hand.

Cristallum Spectro Incantamen, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Quartz Crystal  

Not to mention that each crystal needs to be drilled by hand and have its' bezel specially fabricated and designed to fit around each crystal's unique characteristics.

Cristallum Spectro Incantamen, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Quartz Crystal  

The box clasps are also a fun challenge, but I love creating little mechanical elements and the challenge is part of the appeal in some frustrating, paradoxical way.

Cristallum Spectro Incantamen, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Quartz Crystal  

If you would like to see the first quartz crystal pendant just follow this link: Crystallos Argentum Incantamen

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Purpura Flavis Transitus

The last of the commissioned rings for now. . . I have also been commissioned to make an agate necklace, so I will be sure to share that as soon as it is finished. 

Purpura Flavis Transitus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Ametrine 

I really love this piece and the pictures really don't do it justice.

Purpura Flavis Transitus, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Ametrine 

This is another piece that is going to be sad to see walk away, but it is always nice to know that someone else appreciates your work and that they will love and cherish it for many years to come.

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Gold Curb Chain

Another "oldie, but goodie" that I photographed while I was taking pictures of some new pieces.

Gold Curb Chain, Daniel Icaza, 2006, 18K Yellow Gold

This was one of the first gold pieces I ever created. A very classic chain design. I would have made a clasp for it but, as it was a commission for an elderly client, they prefer the chain to be long enough to simple pull over their head and not to have to mess with a clasp. 

Gold Curb Chain, Daniel Icaza, 2006, 18K Yellow Gold

I really need to get to the new pieces but, the pictures of these older pieces came out so well I can't help but want to share them.

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Callaina Ericius

Another ring from a little while back. I had to share this ring, it is probably one of my personal favorites. Although it's really difficult to start picking favorites, it's just to easy to get attached to your own creations.

Callaina Ericius, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Fine Silver, Turquoise 

Some times letting go of a piece of jewellery or art is like watching your kids grow up and move out on their own journey. Of course I can't truly relate to that simile, as I am not a parent myself, but it is a beautiful sentiment that I have heard other older artists impart. 

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Nigrum Cristallum

Another one of the commissioned rings. I am quite content with how this ring turned out. It has a very dark and mysterious look to it. I will actually be rather sad to see this piece go.
To check out the other commissioned ring "CLICK HERE"

Nigrum Cristallum, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Rutilated Quartz 

I guess that's just part of the problem with having a stone/gem collection, you start to get attached to each piece for various reasons. I suppose it is a good lesson to learn to let go.

Be back soon with more.

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Hand Clasp

Here is another older project. 

I have always enjoyed trying to make the clasp of a chain an aesthetically integrated part of the piece. Not to mention some what interactive if possible.

Hand Clasp, Daniel Icaza, 2009, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver

This was a very early experiment. Quite low-tech but rather effective. The clasp is a little touchy but I have always enjoyed this piece overall.

Hand Clasp, Daniel Icaza, 2009, Fine Silver, Sterling Silver

I haven't played around with the "interactive-clasp" idea in a while but some day I will return to those experiments.

Until next time,

Peace and Love

Exchanghibition Collaboration 2012

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Dutch artist Dadara on his resent visit to Costa Rica.

For those who may not know, I have been collaborating with Dadara overseas for some time now. So it was really nice to meet in person and talk for a bit.

For more information on the collaborative project follow this link: The Art of Turning Art Into Money and Back Into Art Again

Follow this link to learn more about: "Monetary Bondage"

Me (Daniel Icaza: left) and DADARA (right) 

The newest addition to Dadara's "Exchanghibition Bank Project" is the "2012 Money/Art Note". As I have already bonded all the previous "Money/Art Notes" it just felt right to complete the set and "bond" this note as well.

2012 (Pink Side), Daniel Icaza & DADARA, 2012
 Fine Silver, Glass, Sea Shell (Zigzag Scallop), 18ct Pink Corundum, 9ct Green Corundums, 

I always have fun bonding one of Dadara's notes as there is never a shortage of inspiration. It seems that every time I bond one of these notes, I become inspired to try a new approach to my "Money Bonding" process.

2012 (Green Side), Daniel Icaza & DADARA, 2012
 Fine Silver, Glass, Sea Shell (Zigzag Scallop), 18ct Pink Corundum, 9ct Green Corundums,  

This note was no exception. This is the first note I have ever bonded using sheets of glass instead of metal.
I also decided to wire-wrap the assembly together, instead of using rivets or bezels as I have done in the past.

I am really happy with the results and I feel that this is a great addition to the rest of the notes. If you
would like to see a little bit of the other bonded Exchanghibition Bank notes "CLICK HERE".

I am not sure if there will be any future Exchanghibition notes, but I will be sure to post information about where they may be displayed in the future; as they are currently in Dadara's possession to use in conjunction with the Exchanghibition Bank project.

I will be back again soon with more.
Until next time.
Peace and Love

Electri Cristallum

I was recently commissioned to make a few rings for a client.

Electri Cristallum, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver, Dendritic Quartz

I really enjoy being commissioned to create pieces. Particularly rings as the sizing is always so important and I always prefer to make them to just the right measurement instead of having to re-size the rings later.

There are two other commissioned rings on the way and hopefully a few other things as well.

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Hedge Hog Necklace

I had a bunch of old projects sitting out the other day while taking some pictures and I took the opportunity to photograph a few of these old projects.  Some of the pictures turned out pretty well so I decided I would share them with you briefly. 

Hedge Hog, Danie Icaza, 2006, Sterling Silver

This project was one of the first jewellery projects I ever created. The very first chain I ever made and the first sphere as well.

Hedge Hog, Danie Icaza, 2006, Sterling Silver

As it is a "first" it is a rather sentimental piece and I rarely use it for that reason.

I could go on but, I am trying to keep my posts brief as to try and write more frequently.

Until next time.

Peace and Love

Viridi Ligonem

I haven´t been able to post as much as I would like and I apologize for the lack of new posts. 

Fortunately the past few weeks have been quite productive. I have been busy making a lot of new pieces and I have also received a few commissions so even more new things will be on the way soon. 

Viridi Ligonem, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Bloodstone 

This piece was a bit of an experiment and it went quite well. 

Viridi Ligonem, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Bloodstone 

The only disappointment was when the stone cracked!

Viridi Ligonem, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Bloodstone 

Fortunately this piece is easy to appreciate and if anything, the crack gives it a little extra character.

Viridi Ligonem, Daniel Icaza, 2012, Sterling Silver,  Bloodstone 

Having the piece be "reversable" is also a very interesting feature.

I hope you enjoyed the new necklace. For now I will be busy writing a few more posts. I have a lot to share and a lot more to make. . .

Until next time.

Peace and Love