There is a lovely realism to Basil Two Tone Wire Earrings, which translates basil leaves into jewelry without smoothing away the details that make the plant itself interesting. Michaud's process begins with actual botanical elements rather than a hand-carved wax model. A mold is formed around the plant material, which burns away during casting and leaves its fine texture behind. Handcrafted in New York, the finished piece has plenty of garden personality without feeling precious. Bronze.