Several things inspired my Moth brooch: the insect jewelry of the Art Nouveau period; the orthoceras fossil itself; and my desire to use basic fabrication techniques in a sophisticated design as an example for my beginning jewelry students.

Fused bezel on pierced sterling sheet with gold accents, and gold-tipped antennae.

Sterling and fine silver, 18k yellow gold, orthoceras fossil.

2.125 x 1.5 inches (54 x 38 mm)

Private collection. 2005.

This is one in a series of Moth pieces, varying in details, size, and shape to complement the fossils as they vary.