How we make them

The Art of Creation: From Earth to Elegance

At Celsius Ceramics, every ceramic and porcelain pendant is more than just a piece of jewelry – it's a miniature work of art, born from a meticulous process that blends ancient techniques with contemporary design. We believe in the beauty of the handmade, the story whispered by the artist's touch, and the unique spirit infused into each creation.

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Crafted by Hand, Inspired by Heart

Each unique pendant begins its journey in the hands of Yoko d'Arnaud, one of the top designers at the renowned Morris & James in Matakana. With a profound passion for ceramics and an exceptional eye for detail, Yoko pours her expertise and artistic vision into every single piece. Her distinctive style, honed through years of dedication to her craft, ensures that what you wear is truly one-of-a-kind.

Our Meticulous Process: A Dance with Fire and Artistry

The creation of each pendant is a journey of transformation, involving multiple stages of careful handling and intense firing:

1. Shaping the Earth (The Clay Work): The process begins with high-quality clay, chosen for its purity and ability to translate Yoko's intricate designs. Each pendant is individually hand-formed, sculpted, or cut with precision, giving it its initial shape and character. This is where the foundation of its unique form is laid, often incorporating delicate textures or subtle contours.

2. The First Kiss of Fire (Bisque Firing): Once shaped and allowed to thoroughly dry, the fragile "greenware" pieces undergo their first transformation in the kiln. They are fired at a high temperature (the "bisque firing") which hardens the clay, making it durable enough to handle without breaking, yet still porous sufficient to absorb glazes. This stage is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of the final piece.

3. A Canvas for Creativity (Decoration & Glazing): This is where Yoko's artistic flair truly comes alive. Each bisque-fired pendant becomes a canvas for decoration. Whether it's the application of intricate underglaze details, delicate hand-painting, or unique textural treatments, every design is thoughtfully applied by hand. Following decoration, the pendants are carefully dipped or brushed with glazes. These special glassy coatings, often custom-mixed by Yoko, will melt and fuse during the final firing, giving the jewellery its vibrant colours, stunning luminosity, and protective finish.

4. The Final Transformation (Glaze Firing): The decorated and glazed pendants return to the kiln for their ultimate transformation. This "glaze firing" is even hotter than the bisque firing, reaching temperatures that turn the glazes into a durable, glass-like surface. It's during this intense heat that the colours deepen, the glazes achieve their signature sheen or matte finish, and the entire piece becomes vitrified – strong, beautiful, and ready to be adorned.

More Than Jewellery – It's Wearable Art

Because each step is performed with meticulous care and artistic intent by Yoko d'Arnaud, no two pendants are exactly alike. You are not just purchasing a piece of jewelry; you are acquiring a unique creation, a wearable sculpture designed and brought to life by a celebrated artist.

We invite you to explore our collection and discover the perfect pendant that resonates with your unique style and appreciation for true craftsmanship.