A salute to the thistle

Here's to the lowly thistle.
It may be a weed to some but to the Scots it is their national symbol.  According to the Visit Scotland website one legend has it a sleeping party of Scots warriors were saved from ambush by an invading Norse army when one of the enemies trod on the spiky plant.
His anguished cry roused the slumbering warriors who duly vanquished the invader and adopted the thistle as their national symbol. Is it true? We don't know but it makes a great story.

DESIGNING THE PRETTIEST WEED

It is a fine balance to find that sweet spot between realism and total abstraction; let alone create a piece of jewellery that is pretty enough to wear.

I always start with photo reference if I can't get ahold of a real plant. I designed this in the winter. And then we played with several bell shapes to find the one most pleasing.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

And here is the final product. A pair of thistles fit for a Scottish lass.

THE QUEEN OF PENDANTS

This pendant is not for the faint of heart and would look great with a clan tartan. The pendant is best worn long so comes on a 32 inch (82cm) chain.