Every once in a while our Master Jeweler Philip Flenniken works on a project so fabulous, so special and so extraordinarily unique that it leaves us all completely astonished. Having been a jeweler for more than fifty years now, Philip has created his fair share of distinctive custom jewelry and objets d™art. The piece we are sharing with you in this post is a great example of such an exceptional work of art.
This museum quality three mast ship, made up entirely of 14 karat gold, 18 karat gold and platinum is more than six inches long from the end of the bowsprit to the stern. It is approximately four and a half inches high. Philip and our bench Jeweler Luke Johnsey worked together for more than 150 hours to create this specially commissioned masterpiece. Over 5 ounces of precious metals and more than twenty feet of platinum wire was used in the creation of the fully rigged ship to stunning effect.
Jeweler Luke Johnsey and Master Jeweler Philip Flenniken shown with the ship they created. Photo by Arden Photography
Each piece of this endeavor was created using old world methods and techniques. No Cad/Cam machine was used to create this showpiece. Several parts of this ship including the the hull and crows nest of the ship were hand carved in wax and cast using the traditional lost wax casting technique. The intricate platinum riggings were all hand wrought with precision and each sail hand engraved. In these images you can see the creation of this beautiful piece from start to finish.
If you are looking for a Master Jeweler to create something special for you or a loved one look no further than Bromberg’s. We have made excellence an art form to to treasure everyday for more than 180 years. Philip Flenniken has been creating amazing jewelry and wonders such as this one for Bromberg’s since 1974 and Luke Johnsey has been honing his craft at Bromberg’s for more than a decade. Together they uphold our standards of beauty and craftsmanship with custom designs and expert repair that Bromberg’s valued customers know to expect.
A view of the wax Philip carved for the hull of the ship
The solid gold ship’s hull.
A detail of the gold and platinum said and rigging.
A detail as the masts were being assembled.
A detail of the bowsprit.
Pieces of the ship before assembly.
Pieces of the ship before assembly.
An image of the partially assembled ship next to a shell for scale.
The finished three mast ship. Photo by Arden Photography