Where does inspiration originate? This silver octopus charm was inspired by a fantastic photograph of a golden goblet from Greece from the 15th century BC. This is just one of many awe-inspiring objects featured in the book Treasures in Gold. I loved the sensuous curves of the tentacles, highlighted with dotted granulation. As I worked on the sketches, I found it necessary to decrease the detail and reduce the visible legs from 8 to 6. I also wanted to create little loops for dangles. The final silver charm, A687, is the sleek, modern day descendant of the original great-great-great ancient ancestor octopus. He fits in perfectly with our collection of Sea Treasure charms like the mermaid, shells and starfish. Have ancient objects inspired your jewelry designs? Tell us about it!

