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Bright Moon Productions is pleased to introduce you to Phoebe Z. Black.

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My work is influenced by the myths, colors and designs found in many cultures throughout the world. Rather than pointing out the differences, I try to combine them and let my imagination run free. I design and handcraft all my own fine silver pieces. These are often combined with semiprecious beads and stones. In addition, I create my own fused glass cabochons and lampworked glass beads which I also combine with my silver.

Silver Work

Starting in the late '60s, while living in California, I apprenticed with local silversmiths. I continue to work in sterling (.925) and fine silver (.999), designing and creating all the components myself.

I use a combination of casting and etching techniques to transfer my original artwork onto sheets of fine silver. I then refine these designs by engraving the design deeper into the metal.

When I'm etching, I use fine silver rather than sterling. Fine silver is softer than sterling and allows me more control over the design.

Fine silver is a better grade of silver than sterling. The actual difference between sterling and fine silver is that sterling contains trace amounts of copper, whereas fine silver does not. Copper is also what makes sterling tarnish.

Rough sketches can be found all over my house and studio; some of them become pendants, charms, or earrings.

I enamel some of the silver components to enhance their design and take advantage of the wonderful colors found in hot glass. Because each piece I make is hand-crafted, no two pieces of jewelry will ever be alike.

Fused Glass

I began designing fused glass pins and pendants after one of my yearly pilgrimages back to California. These have a very special place in my heart. Remembering the sunlight sparkling through the surf near Big Sur, I let each piece create its own karma. The process can be very time consuming.

As many as eight layers of glass are imaginatively cut and then fired in a kiln as many as six times before achieving the effect I am seeking.

This process permanently fuses the layers together and produces a three-dimensional abstract design complete with textures and a rainbow of color to delight the senses.

The addition of dichroic glass produces an effect that changes with the viewing angle and the lighting in a room. Several layers of metal oxides (e.g., titanium, silicon, and magnesium) are placed on the surface of the glass to create dichroic glass.

Once the initial firings have been completed, each piece is carefully shaped and refired to add strength to the glass. Many of the glass pieces are creatively combined with intricate sterling silver wire wrapping to create a unique piece of art.

I create my jewelry to go with the three things in life we all need more of: flexibility, joy, and playfulness. All of my creations are done in harmony with material and purpose, using the finest materials with a commitment to quality.

I'm constantly told that I can't do it all, and my response is "why not?" I'll certainly never be bored! I've taken many classes on design and technique, and continue to explore other techniques. I've previously shown my work in California, Arizona, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, & Pennsylvania.

For more information please Email me at:

Page last updated November 5, 2006