Contemporary Irish wooden pendant, handmade using native Irish wood and sterling silver.
This striking geometric wooden pendant is made with two layers of native Irish yew . The natural richness of the yew is enhanced by a contrasting layer of the same wood which I have ebonised to achieve a deep rich black. The beeswax polish gives an extra lustre to the beautifully smooth, lightweight wood. The pendant measures 3.5cm x 4cm, and comes with a 28 inch oxidised (blackened) sterling silver chain.
Each piece is made from locally sourced, sustainable wood and so will be completely unique. While the size and shape will be as pictured, there is considerable variation in the colour and grain in every piece of wood.
Rowena Sheen completed her degree in Craft Design from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, specializing in metals and jewellery, and worked subsequently as a costume maker for theatre, film and TV. However, the desire to return to independent design work, as well as a longing to move home to the beautiful west of Ireland, prompted a return to Clare in 2016. Since then she has developed this range of unique handmade wooden jewellery which is made using, as far as is possible, native, sustainably sourced Irish materials. Rowena works out of her studio at the Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon in Co. Clare. All of this wood is sustainably collected, often after winter storms or if a particular tree has to be cut down for some other reason.
Each piece is handmade and assembled with sterling silver findings, then they are given finishing coat of Burren wildflower beeswax made form her Dads beehive, combined with Irish rapeseed oil, sealing and protecting the wood and enhancing the colour and the grain. The final product is a range of truly local, sustainable Irish jewellery - a unique Irish handmade gift for you to cherish.