Dan Dye Designs

Argentium sterling silver Dragonfly pin

With Springtime in mind, I just finished this dragonfly pin.  I added the texture to the wings by crushing lace into the silver sheet with my rolling mill.

Argentium Sterling Trillium Pin

I have trillium blooming in my garden now in piedmont N.C. and was inspired to make this pin in order to "preserve" one.   Trilliums usually grow in the mountains or in Northern states, but I bought these from a local nursery & they have done well.   This sterling piece can also be used as a pendant with a converter that I made from a piece of sterling tube.  

Argentium Sterling Silver Dogwood Pin

It is Springtime again in North Carolina and I was inspired by the dogwood trees in my garden to make another dogwood pin.  I like to cut a stem to use as my template, so I can make a flower that looks as realistic as possible.  

Argentium Sterling Silver Valentine's Day pins

Just in time for Valentine's Day, 2 new pins for the lady in your life!  She will also enjoy wearing them throughout the year. 

Sterling Silver Double Wedding Ring quilt pin - $160

This is my favorite traditional quilt pattern and will be a treasure for a quilt lover.  I make it by sawing out openings in one sheet of sterling to form the interlocking rings of the double wedding ring.  Then I solder it onto a solid sheet of silver and hammer it for a cloth effect.  I apply an oxidizing agent to darken the background and then polish it.  It measures just under 2" on a side and has the name of the pattern engraved on the back. 

Sterling Silver Carolina Lily quilt pin - $160

The intricate details of the traditional Carolina Lily quilt pattern make this sterling silver pin stand out.  I make it in a two layer process by first sawing out the pattern from a sheet of sterling which is then soldered to a solid silver sheet.  I give it a woven fabric-like hammered texture and then apply an oxidizing agent, prior to polishing.  It measures 1-1/2" on a side and the name of the pattern is engraved on the back.

Sterling Silver Grandmother's Tulips quilt pin - $125

I make this sterling silver pin by first sawing out openings in the top sheet of silver to form the Grandmother's Tulips quilt pattern.  After hammer-texturing it, I then solder it to a solid sheet of sterling.  I add oxidation prior to polishing it so the pattern will stand out.  This pin measures 1-1/2" on a side.  The name of the pattern is engraved on the back.

Sterling Silver Bear's Paw quilt pin - $125

I make this sterling silver pin by hand-sawing the top piece of sheet silver with the Bear's Paw quilt pattern.  This pattern is thought to have been developed by American frontier women who found 4-clawed bear tracks around their cabins.  I then hammer-texture a cloth effect into the surface and then solder it to a second solid square of silver.  I oxidize it for an antique look and then hand polish.  This pin measures 1-1/2" on a side.  The pattern name is engraved on the back.

Sterling Silver Holly pin with Carnelian beads - $225

This holly pin features 4 natural 8mm carnelian beads at the center.  It will add a striking look to your holiday wardrobe.  It measures ~ 3-1/4" from point to point of the holly leaves.

Sterling silver Trillium Flower Pin - $325

The Trillium is a favorite flower of mine that is found growing wild in the NC mountains in the Spring. It ranges from brilliant white, to yellow, to deep red in color. The parts of the plant grow in "threes"; three petals, six stamen, series of 3 leaves on the stem. As with all of my flowers, I hand-fabricate all the parts of the flower. The petals and leaves are sawn out of 20ga. sheet and then textured with "chasing" tools and hammers. Then I solder the parts together with 2 solders that melt at 1325 & 1250 degrees F. Finally, I hand polish with 2 polishing compounds and buffs. This pin can also be worn on a chain or choker as a pendant. It is about 3" on a side.

Sterling Silver "Charleston" Pin - $150

This pin is another in a series of designs that were inspired by the beautiful wrought iron gates and fences in the Battery section of Charleston, South Carolina.  A pair of these formed the pediment over a gate.  It measures 1-3/4"x 3-1/2".

Sterling Silver "Charleston" Pin - $150

During a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, I noticed many beautiful iron gates and fences that had been crafted by local blacksmiths.  I gathered a collection of photos of some of my favorites.  This pin design was part of a gate to a cozy back garden.  I crafted it from square sterling stock, similar to the iron that was used for the gate.   It measures 1-1/2"x3".

Sterling silver nail tie bar - $40

This handmade Sterling silver nail measures 3-1/4" long and is patterned after a 16D framing nail.

Sterling silver concrete nail tie bar - $45

This handmade Sterling silver tie bar is 3-1/4" long and copies the design of a 16D spiral masonry nail.

Sterling silver golf club tie bar - $70

I made this tie bar to symbolize my golf game.  It is ~ 3-1/4" long and is handmade from Sterling silver and is a "driver".

Sterling silver Reindeer Pin - available by custom order

This whimsical  fellow  sports a  faceted  red  garnet  nose and  measures  ~1-1/2" x 1-1/2"

Sterling silver Santa pin - available by custom order

A variation of my popular Christmas tree ornament, this Santa pin  has a red faceted garnet as his nose.  Approximate size is 1-1/2" square.

Sterling silver Camellia pin with 14K gold pollen heads - $625

I picked a camellia blossom from a bush in my yard to use as a model for the petals and leaves of this pin.  Second photo shows a close up of the camellia flower with the pin. Size is 4" x 3 1/2"

Sterling silver Rosebud pin - available by custom order

This started out as a custom design, but I've had enough demand that I've made it part of my regular inventory.  Petals are .999 fine silver.  Approx size 3" long

Sterling silver sand dollar pin/pendant $160

Available as a custom order.  I use a real sand dollar from the beach in North Carolina to model the size, shape & placement of holes.  The hammered surface mimics the dappled appearance of this beach treasure.  Size approx.  2" x 2 1/4"

Sterling silver Iris pin - $450

Modeled after the iris growing in my yard in North Carolina.  Petals are .999 fine silver.  Stem and leaf are Sterling silver.  Length 5" x 2 1/2" width, a lovely piece of art to display or wear