Originals by Bob Burkett

   Robert Burkett has been called the finest beadmaker in America.  He works primarily in silver and shibuichi (pronounced SHEW-BOO-EEE-CHEE), a Japanese process where silver is mixed with copper to produce stunning arrays of color and form.

  His unique, one-of-a-kind (only one is made!) or limited edition (less than 12) lost wax cast pendants and beads are cast of 20% silver and 80% copper.  The pieces are freehand carved from memory.  Robert sculpts the body and wings in red sculpting wax then carefully creates a one-of-a-kind mold then hand casts the molten metal using a centrifuge.  Working with shibuichi is tricky and very few artists attempt it.  It results in very high detail with a wonderful coppery patina, but is notoriously more difficult to work with than bronze or copper alone.  Truly amazing beautiful work!