In this comparative analysis of these two pieces I would first like to analyze the two pieces separately and then go into differences and similarities.
The first piece, the Chamber heart locket by Thomas Mann is a locket/pendant in the shape of a heart, comprised of a few techniques. There is flat plate that looks as though it has been slightly domed and pierced into the shape of a heart, with some form of hammering surface technique on the outside (this is all done in silver). There is a brass hinge that is connecting the face of the locket to the back and a chain connected to the bottom of the locket (brass), this is linked to a shepherd hook that closes the locked with the use of a jump ring coming through a small hole. The bail is one I haven’t seen before, it looks like brass chenier (tubing) of alternative widths soldered together and then drilled to make room for the meshed chain.
The Phoenix Pendant by Tom Ferreror, is a pendent that is perfectly round and has a slight dome in the centre with a surface technique of either roll pressing or etching to create the floral repetitive patterning . The outside of the domed circle has a rim that extends above the dome; at the top of this piece is a risen triangular portion of plate that has a gold cabochon setting with a brown Zircon. The attachment to the chain is achieved through two soldered jump rings.
There are many similarities and differences in these pieces, both being some form of pendant is the most obvious parallel. Both have surface techniques that are shown with repetitive designs and this creates a rhythm/ patterning on the faces on each pendant. Both pieces use two alternative metals, Mann’s piece is using brass and silver whereas Ferreror’s piece is using gold and silver. The pendants are of a similar size, but look as though ergonomically they will sit differently on the body, Ferrors’s piece looks as though it might sit just under the clavicle and Mann’s piece looks as though it will hang over the sternum, I think that Mann’s piece would be the more comfortable the two. The chain used in both pieces looks of a similar density, although Mann’s piece looks a little more moveable and more chain-like whilst Ferreror’s has more of a wire feeling (this is why I feel Mann’s would be more in tune with comfort, as wire has a ridged feeling on the body). Ferreror’s piece looks reminiscent of the Victorian times, it looks as though it is a newer age version of something one of Henry the 8ths wives could of worn while Mann’s piece reminds me of a heart shaped grenade therefore making it seem a little post apocalyptic.
