Bezel Final 5/31
I began this project with the intention of making a ring, but due to time constraints, it became a pendant. This pendant is made of a cabochon stone with a sterling silver setting. It was made by soldering the rim and plate together, followed by sawing out the bail, then hammering the stone in place. After that, it was burnished, polished with rouge, and then put on a sterling jump ring using pliers. I did not have a lot of design options because I had to finish this project quickly, but I did make sure that the round, slightly oblong shape of the bail complemented the shape of the stone. The biggest challenge, aside from lack of time, was soldering. During the first attempt at creating the bezel ring, the bezel melted. The second time, it connected, but I had difficulty getting all of the bezel wire to sweat solder with the base plate. I did learn my lesson about using less solder, after having to sand away the excess from my previous project. This piece, despite being somewhat basic in design, is very attractive and I am pleased with it. From this piece, I learned how to make quality jewelry without an elaborate design.
Bezel Project 5/30
Bezel Project 5/25
Finally, it has been soldered properly.
Bezel Project 5/24
There were some gaps between the bezel setting and the platform.
Bezel Project 5/23
Initial attempt to solder the bezel setting did not go as I had hoped.
Solder Final 5/22
I began this project with the intent of creating a brooch that represents research into holistic medicine, which is a cause that I deeply support. The mortar and pestle is a very important tool in holistic medicine. Ginger is used to ease indigestion and nausea, while chili is full of b vitamins and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure. Many people claim that anise oil has helped alleviate their arthritis pain. This brooch is made of nickel. The components were created by saw pierce and stamping, and they were soldered together. I feel that this piece has unity by giving each medicinal plant textured lines. The only aspect of this piece that I am dissatisfied with is the anise, whose pods did not taper correctly. From this piece, I learned how to work quickly but carefully with solder so that the other soldering does not melt.
Solder 5/17
Solder 5/11
Solder 5/4
Solder 4/27
Final Saw Pierce 4/19, with jump ring
My objective in this project was to create a saw-pierce pendant with an unusual design. My end result isn't cookie-cutter; most people don't think that prawn can be elegant. This pendant was made out of brass, which was pierced, sawed and filed. After the prawn negative space was complete, I sanded it up to 600 sandpaper, then used tripoli and rogue for an extra glossy finish. I am very pleased with my pendant because it turned out exactly as I envisioned. From this project, I learned the importance of planning a realistic and structurally sound design.
Saw Pierce 4/13
Saw Pierce Piece 4/6
Saw Pierce Piece 3/23
Saw Pierce Piece 3/16
Final Bracelet
My objective was to create a copper cuff bracelet. This piece was made from pure copper sheet, and was formed via stamping and repoussé. The patina is fire scale, and it is preserved with a layer of wax on top. I think that I did well, despite initially being unsure of the abstract feather design. This piece is very modern, yet it is not overpowering and can be worn with almost any outfit. I learned the importance of teamwork, since I had several partners who helped me repoussé the base semicircle evenly, and who helped me shape the bracelet from a sheet into a cuff.