Beginning Metalsmith - Botched Work

This a follow-on to my earlier posting -

My result when I tried to solder a "pot metal" daisy spacer bead (which I thought was sterling) to a sterling piece! I was NOT a happy camper. Went to the art center today to see if I could create another earring just like the other one that was not yet finished.

After I prepared the sterling sheet to the right thickness and sawed the pattern, I found that I had gotten better with the saw so decided to go ahead and cut another one to match. I still wanted to get more character and depth to the flower - so began to cut a much smaller piece and started to think if it was worth it, it was such tiny detail and effort. I persevered and did the matching piece, stamped etchings, and domed all pieces.

My next challenge was to solder it all to a stud post - after several tries I managed to get the solder to flow through the drilled hole and stabilized the stud! Here are the results - 2 new earring studs! I think the inner section gives the overall flower a more organic look. What do you think?

Beginning Metalsmith

Just completed a 6-week course in beginning metals at the Pullen Arts Center in Raleigh.

It was a challenge to move beyond wire work but I enjoyed it. I can now say that I can use a torch (got over the dreaded idea of burning down the place!) and did not saw my fingers off while trying not to break too many saw blades (I broke 5 in the first sitting). Drilled, filed, oxidized, and buffed. Learned many new terms - flux, anneal, pickle, etc. I think my favorite is the metal mill - stretching metal and creating many textured surfaces.

Here are a couple pics of my 2 items from class - a pendant and pair of earrings.

Ruined one earring because the finding that I had was NOT sterling - it melted and wrecked my hard work! I know now to try to make sure I don't have crap metal. Got lucky and got into the continuing 6-week class in 2 weeks.

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Here are just a few suggestions for Valentine jewelry gift giving!