Gazanias are a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. They are native to southern Africa, particularly in areas with sandy soils and low rainfall. Gazanias are known for their showy, colorful flowers that open during the day and close at night or in cloudy weather.
However, it was the unique shape of their leaves that first caught Michael's eye. Gazania plants have elongated, stem-like leaves that can grow to over 4 inches long. The design of the collection was inspired by the contrast between the vertical leaves of this native South African plant and the beautiful shape of the flower buds growing in his garden.
Materials: The Leaf and Bud earrings are cast in 24kt gold bronze and accented with white freshwater pearls. The wires are 925 Sterling silver with a 24kt gold plating.
Measures: 2.28" L x 0.2" W
This unique jewelry is made by creating molds directly from botanical elements in a process similar to lost-wax casting. While traditional lost-wax casting begins with a hand-carved model of wax, Michael Michaud instead uses an actual leaf, branch or flower in place of the wax model. A mold is created around the botanical element and as it is heated the plant matter burns away and leaves behind a beautifully detailed mold of itself.