IT'S DONE!!! Prong setting!

Fabricated prong setting, using a 12mm amethyst from my Grandmother, and sterling silver wire. 

I made a stone setting sample before I made this final product, which helped measure the size of the basket setting. 

Stone Setting!!!@&%#%!@!!%&&%@

I am very excited to be doing my first fabricated prong stone setting. This is an amethyst handed down to me through my Aunt Barbara from my Grandmother. It was in a temporary gold-plated prong set ring. I took it out and started to measure a ring and prongs in sterling silver to fit the stone.

I used 18 gauge wire. 

this is a 12mm stone which I thought would be interesting to set. It was a challenge because the stone has such a dramatic shape. I enjoyed getting used to the angles as well as fitting the stone in its proper home. Something that really adds to the learning experience is that the stone is sentimental to me.

Lost-Wax casting II

Hi! Here is a photo of the two wax molds, sprued up, right before investment (a hard type plaster which covers wax molds so they can be burnt out, to leave negative space behind).

Here is a photo of the two pieces after casting, it was a wonderful success because wax castings do not always come out!

I enjoy carving wax, although it is tedious it is incredibly satisfying after casting. Clean up is hard work, however I appreciate it because I am in control and  I just purchased diamond burs so I have the proper tools to get into the small spaces. 

Lost-Wax Casting

One of my favorite methods for an extremely satisfying product is lost-wax casting. Here I have carved two rings out of the green wax (which is harder), and in red I have sprues which are pathways for the hot metal to reach the ring mold.

These two pieces came out successfully (as I will show in the next post). It is important to do the weight conversion correctly so that you use the correct amount of sterling silver for the casting.

When casting you will always use more sterling than is required because you must put the ring on a "stand" (sprues and a button).

Student sale is poppin'

Hammered brass cuff bracelets for the student sale. I used 18 gauge which ended up being too thin. Don't forget to make a sample, learn from your mistakes, then make some more!

I made 5 cuff bracelets, and I remembered to make an extra small one for the sale, just in case!
I love photographing my pieces, its important to be proud, and to learn.

Flush Setting

      Flush setting is not easy. It is the most simple-looking stone setting and yet it took a while to accompllish! This piece was inspired by a mosquito. I have an interesting obsession with turning ugly things into beautiful things and often I end up being influenced by insects and creatures. 

     My favorite part about flush setting is that you do not solder a tube for the setting; you drill the hold for the stone! I chose to make cubic-zarconia eyes for this mosquito!

As usual, I keep up with my high polish because of how attractive it is!

Any suggestions for ideas??!

Best part of being a bench jeweler is that you can wear your work. Tell me of a history student that normally would wear their project on a ring??

One of the toughest things is keeping your work in good condition. Whether it be keeping brass jewelry polished without oxidizing, or resisting to wear your sterling silver ring because you feel guilty about the scratches! 

The Wu-tang ring I cut out of brass and soldered in 3 spots, it is a two finger ring!

My 3-D triple tube setting Brass ring can be seen on the left at an angle, 

My second lost-was cast sterling silver ring with orange cubic-zarconia on the bottom.

Also there is a spinning sterling silver band with flush set opals (I did not make this ring) I purchased this at TJ Maxx, surprisingly. 

I would love to make a spinning band! Any suggestions?