Silversmith Captures Fingerprints In jewelry

SW Iowa News:

What if there was something tangible to wear that reminded you of a loved one? Something to capture that new bundle of joy, the bond of sisters, the love of your life or a furry friend?

Deb Nester created Priceless Prints - fingerprint pendant charms - out of that very idea.

“I was living in the Sandhills of Nebraska and needed a hobby,” Nester said. “I started making my own jewelry over 20 years ago.”

She taught herself silversmithing and hand made her jewelry, including beaded bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pins. In the process, she began her business, Prairie Creations.

Five years ago, Nester relocated to Shenandoah to be close to her sisters. A month later, her mom died unexpectedly and a funeral home offered a fingerprint service.

“It was expensive sterling silver and they were too oval, too cookie cutter,” Nester said. “I didn’t like them, but I liked the idea.”

Having made jewelry for many years, Nester had all the materials needed to create her own fingerprint pendant charms.

“I tried my first print out on my son,” Nester said. “He was home visiting and I told him to press his finger into a piece of silver clay.”

She placed the silver clay in a kiln and wasn’t expecting her idea to produce jewelry that was worthwhile. But what came out was a silver charm etched with her son’s fingerprint that she turned into a necklace.

“I couldn’t believe the detail the silver clay showed,” Nester said. “This is my prize possession. He stays close to my heart always.”

Nester showed her sisters what she had created, which started a chain reaction.