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Lex Alandar
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:01:00 -
[1]
Edited by: Lex Alandar on 22/09/2008 22:04:56
Everyone likes shiny things. This is the fundamental principle that is the ongoing source of success for me in my business. I am a self-employed silversmith from northwestern Ontario, Canada. I use hand-fabrication techniques to make unique sterling silver pendants, and rings.
My work first became involved with EVE when I showed an alliance member some pictures of my work. He was interested in the idea of getting a pendant with a ship design (arbitrator) on it. I drew up some designs and with his approval started on the work. The end result was a lot of fun to make, and I ended up giving him the pendant as a birthday present to show my thanks for his help ingame and his encouragement of my work.
Here is the arbitrator in the final stages of finishing (perhaps my friend can upload a pic of it's current condition)
This process gave me the idea to possibly expand on my designs. I looked for symbols that were most prevalent in EVE (since there were so many ships to choose from) and I settled on the four racial symbols. I made up one of each design, finishing them with different techniques to showcase the possibilities, and sent them off to Iceland, on the ultimate "cold call".
Here are the four racial pendants, fully finished, with the finishing techniques in ():
Minmatar (oxidised and burnished/polished)
Gallente (reticulated, oxidised, burnished)
Caldari (oxidised then sanded/polished for a two-layer look)
Amarr (hammer-textured, and burnished)
That was a few months ago, and here I am now. Sadly, repeated attempts to get in contact with CCP have been in vain, although I admit I may not have persisted as much as I should have. So I do not know even if my package was waylaid, or received. I should mention that I fully realised before sending them off that I would not see anything for them, and even made it clear to CCP that they should consider them a gift as well as rough business proposal.
So, if you made it through all of that, congratulations, and thank you. But now that you know the story, I want to know what you think. Would you ever consider owning a hand-fabricated sterling silver pendant of your favourite ship/race/whatever? How much would you pay for such a pendant on strong, durable hand-wound silk cord (adjustable length)?? What do you think of my work? Do you think maybe BoB members got them all (one corp-mate's theory) and are hoarding them?
I want to hear what you think about shiny things.
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Sheriff Jones
Amarr
Clinical Experiment
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:06:00 -
[2]
Edited by: Sheriff Jones on 22/09/2008 22:05:58
Can you do rings, and can you take "orders" for special form of pendants with different materials? Costs ofcourse varying respectively.
I would have a few ideas that i might, in the future, with to buy for a couple of reasons, main one being unique(which is kinda what i look for in my accessories) and other, noone probably knows it and if they do, they'd probably think it's cool 
Nice work by the way, forgot to mention 
My opinions represent the opinions of my corporation completely. I'm the CEO damnit. |
KrampfyV1
Warped Mining
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:06:00 -
[3]
wow nice work mate, can't resist something shiny :)
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Flamewave
Crimson Moon Society
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:16:00 -
[4]
Wow, those are amazing. Very nice work.
__________
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Larg Kellein
Caldari
Agony Unleashed
Agony Empire
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:16:00 -
[5]
Nice ones. I could see myself being interested in the Caldari one. Not so much in the silk string, though. It'd go on the heavy silver necklace I never take off.
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MotherMoon
Huang Yinglong
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:17:00 -
[6]
To tell you the truth there is something strange about the logos compared to the ship. The racial logos have a border to each shape inside like a part you couldn't reach with the polish?
Or is a look you were going for?
Ah now I see the inside parts are raised up, it's hard to see in the pics :)
Don't get me wrong they are awesome :) it's just the the ship looks more awesome :P
I hope CCP didn't like throw them away or ingor them or some stupid shit, I mean they aren't that corporate.... yet? I hope.
anyways good luck with your answer :)
oh and I would buy the minmatar one for 40$ but I'm not to keen on the price of sliver.
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Jinx Barker
GFB Scientific
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:19:00 -
[7]
Awesome work! I think you need to open up a shop, you would make a fortune.
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Irida Mershkov
Gallente
War is Bliss
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:24:00 -
[8]
EVE-Store! Take notes!
I wants one! Excellent stuff.
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Lex Alandar
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:44:00 -
[9]
Ok, nice response so far. Here's some answers to the questions raised. I do make rings, and I do custom work. There is a line however, and it is drawn at who creates the design. I will gladly do a design of something you would like, but I will not make others' designs. This is what I have to do to remain creative, and true to my work.
I only work in silver right now, as I am still learning the medium, and it is very interesting to me.
Cording my pendants is usually the popular option, but of course some people want them on a chain, or to put on their own chain. If that is the case, I offer a slight reduction in price, and include a bail which will allow the pendant to be easily put onto a chain.
I am currently selling out of Northern Lights Studio, where my mom and I make a living with our local clientele, and tourism. That being said, this is a relatively small city, so I wish to expand my market, and am saving funds and content to start a website.
Now on to the technical stuff, since MotherMoon had some interesting questions.
These pendants are primarily made using the techniques of piercing and fusing. I take a piece of plate silver, draw the design on it, drill strategic holes in the piece, then string a hand-saw through and saw out the design. Once it is suitable, I prepare a second piece of plate, and fuse the two layers together. The fusing process works with sterling silver because it is .925 silver and .075 copper. When heated to high temperatures, the puresilver begins to leech out of the sterling, and with two properly-prepared pieces, forms as a type of solder.
Because the layers are pierced at ninety degrees, the puresilver likes to collect where edges meet.
You can clearly see this on the amarr pendant because of the techniques used in finishing it, where in the other pendants, it is not as visible due to oxidation. As for the polished look not extending all the way into the corners, that was just something I encountered along the way. This is always a learning experience for me, and I found that if I used a burnishing tool in a certain way I would not go into the corners, but would have a perfect edge (like running a pencil along a ruler).
You say "or ingor them" I'm afraid I don't catch the reference. Does this have anything to do with the matchstick hurricane?
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tyroney
Minmatar
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:47:00 -
[10]
I don't know if it's the lighting, but the minmatar symbol doesn't look near as visually distinct as the others. Though I don't think I'm your target audience, as I don't think I'd buy one, personally.
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Micheal Dietrich
Caldari
Terradyne Networks
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:51:00 -
[11]
Holy forum breaking pictures batman!
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Lex Alandar
Cskillzone
DAMAGE INC...
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Posted - 2008.09.22 22:57:00 -
[12]
 Originally by: Micheal Dietrich
Holy forum breaking pictures batman!
I can edit them to links if that's more appropriate. They fit perfectly on my screen, but for smaller res I see they could be bad.
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Clrdark4se
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Posted - 2008.09.22 23:05:00 -
[13]
That is some very nice work! 
CCP, you should consider this. Looks great. I would bet allot of people would like to buy items like these.
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Treelox
Amarr
Market Jihadist Revolutionary Party
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Posted - 2008.09.22 23:08:00 -
[14]
Originally by: Lex Alandar
Originally by: Micheal Dietrich
Holy forum breaking pictures batman!
I can edit them to links if that's more appropriate. They fit perfectly on my screen, but for smaller res I see they could be bad.
Yes please do make them links, as forum rules say no pics posted direct to the forums. I would hate your beautiful work to be mod'd by Mitnal.
--
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Khen'do Khen
Minmatar
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Posted - 2008.09.22 23:12:00 -
[15]
Those are cool. I would actually consider buying one of those minmatar ones.
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DJ Geist
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Posted - 2008.09.23 00:05:00 -
[16]
I think it is a great idea and I for sure would buy an Amarr pendant. Also I'm glad you're working with silver because I would never buy something like this cheap/plated (there would be no point, since the metal would turn and become ugly).
However I think your technique needs to become a bit more neat. The designs should have clean cuts, near-perfect symmetry, and be finished/buffed in a way where markings/swirls etc are not evident.
My late grandfather was a Latvian jeweler specializing in one-of-a-kind pieces that artfully elaborated on traditional themes. I don't remember all the aspects of his technique, but one question I have is about the longevity of the 'fusing' process you mention. Are there ways of making the bonds even stronger?
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Dmian
Gallente
Starline Engineering Corporation
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Posted - 2008.09.23 00:14:00 -
[17]
You have the logos in PDF at my repository, if you need them. Great work!
Be persistent. You need to get in touch with CCP's legal department to sell this, since this is all CCP's IP.
Regards.
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Eve Alpha - The font of Eve - Get it here |
Lex Alandar
Cskillzone
DAMAGE INC...
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Posted - 2008.09.23 00:17:00 -
[18]
Edited by: Lex Alandar on 23/09/2008 00:19:31
Originally by: DJ Geist
I think it is a great idea and I for sure would buy an Amarr pendant. Also I'm glad you're working with silver because I would never buy something like this cheap/plated (there would be no point, since the metal would turn and become ugly).
However I think your technique needs to become a bit more neat. The designs should have clean cuts, near-perfect symmetry, and be finished/buffed in a way where markings/swirls etc are not evident.
My late grandfather was a Latvian jeweler specializing in one-of-a-kind pieces that artfully elaborated on traditional themes. I don't remember all the aspects of his technique, but one question I have is about the longevity of the 'fusing' process you mention. Are there ways of making the bonds even stronger?
First off I would like to say these pendants are prototypes, being the first of their kind. As with any design, repetition leads to perfection. As for the fusing process, once it is complete, the bond is very strong. Unlike solder, which forms a 'bridge' between two pieces of metal, fusing actually interleaves the crystalline structure of the metal. For a scientific explanation look up "diffusion bonding" I am using a rough version of the math there to make my bonds. They are by no means perfect, but my standards for finished product are very high. I am confident the bonds will stand up to anything. The piece would be bent, smashed, and mangled before any of those bonds would give.
edit: Thank you very much for that link and the advice, Dmian. Some of you may have noticed my pieces are not perfectly faithful to the racial logos. You don't need to point out the discrepancies, however, they are duly noted 
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Ooooh, Shiny |
Saint Lazarus
Spiorad ag fanaiocht
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Posted - 2008.09.23 00:29:00 -
[19]
Pretty cool, I'd love to get a minmater pendant though im not sure I like that particular one that much (not entirely sure why, maybe I just need a closer look)
Either way theys all very well made ^^
Hmmm just occurs to me if that arby was black it'd be a Curse medallion
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My EvE Comic
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Dmian
Gallente
Starline Engineering Corporation
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Posted - 2008.09.23 00:31:00 -
[20]
Originally by: Lex Alandar
First off I would like to say these pendants are prototypes, being the first of their kind. As with any design, repetition leads to perfection. As for the fusing process, once it is complete, the bond is very strong. Unlike solder, which forms a 'bridge' between two pieces of metal, fusing actually interleaves the crystalline structure of the metal. For a scientific explanation look up "diffusion bonding" I am using a rough version of the math there to make my bonds. They are by no means perfect, but my standards for finished product are very high. I am confident the bonds will stand up to anything. The piece would be bent, smashed, and mangled before any of those bonds would give.
edit: Thank you very much for that link and the advice, Dmian. Some of you may have noticed my pieces are not perfectly faithful to the racial logos. You don't need to point out the discrepancies, however, they are duly noted
Oh!, don't worry! I instantly saw that, since the racial logos are very different from the ship (which is very sharp) so I assumed those where prototypes.
What I see important is color. Each race has a distinctive color. I don't know if you like to use enamels or not. But color, definitively is important, as well as texture (you did a great job on the texture side.)
Regards.
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Eve Alpha - The font of Eve - Get it here |
Angelus Blackheart
Warped Mining
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Posted - 2008.09.23 00:36:00 -
[21]
Edited by: Angelus Blackheart on 23/09/2008 00:36:35
To be honest i like them in thier rough form makes them look truely handmade :)
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Nova Fox
Gallente
Novafox Shipyards
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Posted - 2008.09.23 02:44:00 -
[22]
by far simply amazing. please ccp get these to the store please.
Pre Order your Sisters of Eve ship today!!! |
Khraunus
Amarr
Suddenly Ninjas
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Posted - 2008.09.23 02:56:00 -
[23]
I'd buy an amarr pendant for sure.
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Zeba
Minmatar
Pator Tech School
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Posted - 2008.09.23 02:58:00 -
[24]
 /me wants Amarr and Arbitrator medallion!
CCP plz hire this guy for a limited set. 
inappropriate signature. ~WeatherMan |
Rabdsquirlz
Gallente
Redemption or Retribution
Red Dawn Alliance
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Posted - 2008.09.23 04:02:00 -
[25]
I could go for a Gallente pendant. These look like extremely good pieces of work. The roughness adds charm.
CCP get in contact with this guy.
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Mr Friendly
That it Should Come to This
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Posted - 2008.09.23 04:37:00 -
[26]
I give praise infrequently and only for work I consider worth genuinely worth it.
Consider it given.
GL with getting an official response; like all larger companies, CCP is very selective and slow to respond to product licensing. Your work has merit, but that's really only the first tiny step. Sadly, given your quantity output, I doubt CCP would be willing to authorize any sort of 'official' endorsement, though you're wise to have contacted them before trying to sell your products.
Personally, I like your work and would pay actual money for them (fellow Canadian here). Pricing? Very premature, but hand-made pendants routinely go for $10-250 at artisan shops and the like, so who knows?
Keep pestering CCP, if only to get a basic response. You're entering their IP, so lawyers are to be feared.
GL
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Marcus Druallis
Quantum Industries
RAZOR Alliance
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Posted - 2008.09.23 05:03:00 -
[27]
I really think you do some great work. Extra hell yeah on the hammer textured amarr symbol. Really nice.
--
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Zeba
Minmatar
Pator Tech School
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Posted - 2008.09.23 05:31:00 -
[28]
One sure way i know of to 'sell' them to eve players is to accept isk as payment. Won't make you rich out of game but I'll bet you could pull in a few hundred bil isk with a limited numbered set with signed certificate. If people can sell killboards with eve images and webservers for isk then you should be able to sell some pendants for the same.
inappropriate signature. ~WeatherMan |
Terianna Eri
Amarr
Scrutari
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Posted - 2008.09.23 05:44:00 -
[29]
That amarr pendant is gorgeous, and I want one. 
I used to make things out of silver myself; perhaps I should go back and give it another try...
__________________________________
Originally by: Arthur Frayn
How much to ruin all your holes, luv?
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Mea Lustra
Amarr
United Sentients
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Posted - 2008.09.23 05:47:00 -
[30]
Edited by: Mea Lustra on 23/09/2008 05:47:39
They look a bit rough but then I don't know what size they are, if they're really small then that's just normal, besides it adds character and shows hand crafting. I really REALLY like the Amarr one, it's the best of the bunch I think (not because I'm Amarr).
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