How I created Vottovara powers for myself

I began with a series of sketches, searching for a form that would capture both the energy of the stone and my vision. After careful analysis, I selected the best design—the one where the pendant seemed to “breathe” on its own.

6 hours of work

I started shaping the pendant’s outline. These were the first steps: every curve and twist had to perfectly fit the intended form.

6 hours of work

I continued refining the outline, ensuring the lines expressed not only form but the essence of the pendant.

6 hours of work

I worked on the upper part of the outline, sharpening the peaks, adding strength and intensity to their form.

6 hours of work

Fine weaving along the entire outline added delicacy and grace, as though forest vines had begun to embrace its core.

6 hours of work

I experimented with the inner weaving, rejecting several ideas that didn’t work well with the design. I kept a sample weave in the lower right part with 0.8 mm wire for further consideration.

6 hours of work

I continued experimenting with the inner weaving, establishing a weave in the lower left section with 0.5 mm wire, which added unique detail.

6 hours of work

I chose the 0.5 mm wire weave and began the intricate pattern on the right side. It was challenging and required full concentration.

11 hours of work

I completed the delicate pattern on the left side, filling the entire surface with fine details that give the pendant an airy lace-like effect.

9 hours of work

I reworked the upper stone setting and added decorative elements in the form of ivy, choosing from several designs and settling on the most harmonious one.

6 hours of work

I soldered the “ivy tendrils,” immersed the pendant in lemon acid, applied a black patina, then polished and buffed it. Each step required effort due to the large number of small details.

6 hours of work

Decorating with beads—a favorite part of the process. This step let the pendant come alive, adding a hint of magic.

6 hours of work

The final touch: checking for smoothness, eliminating all snagging details, and polishing. The “First Breath” pendant took its complete shape, becoming the true embodiment of Vottovara.

6 hours of work