The nails used here were handmade several hundred years ago in an era before mechanisation & come from mudlarking finds from along the River Thames. They were used for boat building & for housing, although most of the nails I use come from an area that used to be used for ship breaking - who knows where these nails have been & the history they've seen! The shape they are is how they were found, & I form the silver to fit around the nail, then handstitch the two together with silk threads. Brooches can be commissioned in a variety of shapes & colours if prefered.
The nail in the brooch pictured measures approx 5cm & the oxidised silver is approx 5 x 1.5cm, & has a stainless steel brooch pin. UK postage is included.