Contest was completed...

Ok...I thought this would be a bit fun. I love finding 'odd' things to use in my jewelry-making. Found some really cool objects to use in these earrings...the copper 'rings'. The earrings are made with garnets, oxidized copper wire, and the copper 'rings'. The 'rings' were hand hammered for that very cool texture, then oxidized, and hand polished. The ear wires are also handmade, though I didn't oxidize the copper wire prior to forming the ear pieces. (Click on the pictures for an enlarged image.)

Garnet and copper earrings

Garnet and copper earrings 2

Garnet and copper earrings 3

Here's the contest! The first person to identify what the 'rings' in the earrings began life as prior to becoming earrings will win...the earrings! They began life as a fairly common household item prior to hammering, oxidation, and polishing.

What did these 'rings' begin life as? (see more pictures of hammered rings below...no oxidation...yet.)

Hand hammered 'rings' prior to oxidation

Hand hammered 'rings' prior to oxidation 2

First correct, typed answer wins the earrings. Good luck!! NOTE: Mom, and Denice can't participate, as they already know my 'secret'!!