Spirit Child with Key Ambrotype

19/21 Jewelry is my personal creative collection that are one-of-a-kind pieces using an early 19th century method of collodion and bringing it to life in the 21st century - hence, “19/21.” Each piece is magical in its own way and represents all things that are lasting and beautiful.

This is a small and somewhat eerie baby that is holding a secret key. Sometimes I love interesting subjects and this one definitely makes you look. She is a sweet doll, but also has that look of a ‘spirit’ child! (Spirit child was a term coined in the 1800’s to represent the deceased).

This is a hand crafted, one-of-a-kind ambrotype! This necklace is a 24mm glass pendant shot with a large format camera using a mid-1800’s method of wet plate collodion. The image is shot directly onto the domed glass itself and backed with a stainless steel tray. Includes a 24” silver plated chain.

These little gems are definitely labor intensive and no two are alike. If you are interested in a piece, I suggest to snatch it up before it is gone because there will never be another one like it again. The artistry of tintypes and ambrotypes can be intricate and intense. Chemicals often can react differently each and every time, therefore, giving each piece beautiful and unique attributes. Small inclusions, chemical sweeps or imperfections are a part of the charm of each piece and they are also individually signed.

I photograph each piece using my 10x10 Chamonix large format camera in studio and take much time and effort setting up each shot. I use an early 1900’s brass lens that enables me to capture such magical “gem” sized images. Each piece has an iridescent quality due to the embedded silver and looks curious at different angles.

Be sure to use a soft, 100% cotton cloth or microfiber to wipe and care for your jewelry and treat it kindly for years and years to come. They are beautifully exquisite and can be handed down for generations.

Each piece comes with it’s own suede pouch and cleaning cloth.