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Enchantra
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« on: December 28, 2013, 11:11:42 am » |
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This thread is for Don to show off his silverwork and allow us to learn from him.  |
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39don
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« Reply #1 on: January 02, 2014, 02:47:06 pm » |
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I thank you for this reserved site Amanda. I'm hoping I can measure up to your and others expectations.
Currently I'm behind because of the Holidays, meaning "School Holidays". The wife and I have had our 8 year old twins, boy and girl, visiting. They both received from Santa, new level 6 Ipods. When they arrived last Saturday both asked O'pa to let them to use my wi-fi to download games on the Ipods, sure no problem. WRONG!!!!! They were three days ahead of me, now I have all kinds of photo's on my PC which aren't supposed to be there. EVn their Mom called two nights ago wondering why she was getting emails from them on her work PC. I even had a photo of a MOON shot by the g'son and I'm not talking about the moon in the sky either. I got real shaky about that time thinking if the NSA was viewing in on my PC, heavens I don't want to go to jail. Needless to say no more wi-fy.........tomorrow home.
39don
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39don
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« Reply #3 on: January 08, 2014, 09:27:46 am » |
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I finally finished a wide band ring yesterday......I chose a cab of Pet Palm I had cabbed awhile back. 39don    |
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Steve
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« Reply #4 on: January 08, 2014, 09:49:15 am » |
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Alright, you're on your way.................I really like the textured sheet you've been using and the Palm looks killer. ................ Have you tried oxidizing or does it just polish off? |
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Cowboy
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« Reply #5 on: January 08, 2014, 10:14:14 am » |
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I like the look of the textured sheet too. Do you roll it yourself, and if so, what are you using to produce that texture?
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Bentiron
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« Reply #6 on: January 08, 2014, 02:16:25 pm » |
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I really like the palm wood and the texture is a killer look, nice |
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Accented1
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« Reply #7 on: January 08, 2014, 02:31:27 pm » |
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Wow that really pops Don! Perfect polish and interesting design. Way to go!  |
-Jason
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john likes rocks!
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« Reply #8 on: January 08, 2014, 06:25:58 pm » |
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Very nice to look at, and you take some really nice photos as well.
Thanks for posting!
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39don
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« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2014, 08:12:05 am » |
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Thanks fellows for the positive comments on the ring and cab.
Steve.... I have tried the oxidizing one time and it came right off when I tumbled it with the stainless steel to work harden it. I'm going to try again soon tumbling first, oxidizing and sanding with 0000 steel-wool. Some say that is the correct way to do it?
Cowboy.... I rolled it myself. Rio Grande sells a lot of patterns by Bonny Doon. I'm using pattern #11061947.
Jason.... I'm using an old 5mp Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 I purchased off ebay dedicated for cabs, jewelry and stuff for $50 + shipping a few years ago. My recent photo's are finally getting to where I want to be. I'm using 2 florescent 5000w light blubs, w/flash, WB setting Natural, picture quality setting Natural, Auto mode on a tripod.
Thanks again,
39don
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39don
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« Reply #10 on: January 09, 2014, 09:12:48 pm » |
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Another ring today.......... I learned a lot with this ring. I was able to refab silver work twice cause it didn't look right originally. I didn't like the scroll work laying on the silver baseplate so I tried to drill holes in the circles, didn't work, so I removed all scroll work and resoldered. I had a meltdown on the scroll work so I replaced it again. Thank goodness it worked.  This is what I ended up with. 39don     |
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Cowboy
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« Reply #11 on: January 09, 2014, 11:00:56 pm » |
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Nice! I like the scroll work and the sawed trim around the opposite side too.
On the subject of antiquing . . . after you work harden the piece in steel shot, you might want to dull the surfaces again before applying your antiquing. Just like paint, chemicals used to blacken silver adhere best to slightly rough surfaces. It would be difficult, though, to sand into the recessed portions of your rolled design. You might try using fine steel wool to roughen the recesses as best you can, which will roughen all the raised surfaces as well. After you apply your antiquing, you can use very fine steel wool, rags, or buffs, and rouge or other polishes to remove the antiquing from the raised surfaces. Each method will achieve a slightly different look in the end.
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Enchantra
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« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2014, 08:24:41 am » |
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Gorgeous! I love how you have the wire scrollwork off to one side, it really helps the stone stand out. I for one am not a huge fan of antiquing. I'd rather see things left shiny. |
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Steve
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« Reply #13 on: January 10, 2014, 09:59:29 am » |
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Another excellent ring design................KUDOS................ |
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Accented1
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« Reply #15 on: January 11, 2014, 09:45:41 pm » |
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These are wonderful. Way to go Don |
-Jason
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Enchantra
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« Reply #16 on: January 13, 2014, 11:38:58 am » |
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Don you just keep pumping out these gorgeous rings! WOW! Stunning! |
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39don
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« Reply #17 on: January 17, 2014, 01:14:11 pm » |
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I finished this pendant yesterday............It didn't hang around long.......Arlene took it. I'm calling it "My (Her) Easter Egg". The egg is Fordite............it has two little grey/silver blips otherwise ok. I purchased some from Bob, rac409, a few years ago he said it was from the Hazelwood (St Louis) Ford Plant.    39don |
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dickb
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« Reply #18 on: January 17, 2014, 01:59:02 pm » |
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Really Nice! I haven't seen any fordite cabs in a long time. I can see why they would fly off the shelf. Nice hoop and bail too.
Dickb
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Elegance in Jewelry 69 Retired and Free GPAA, PLP - Blackhawk G&MC, CVR&MS Eastern Iowa, Clover SC  |
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asianfire
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« Reply #19 on: January 17, 2014, 03:48:56 pm » |
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Have been thinking about Fordite recently, but was warned that a lot of material on sale these days is custom made and has nothing to do with the original locations and as I don't do metals, I also would worry about durability. Lovely setting you got there, and the cab itself is attractively unusual with those wavy rings. Nice eye-candy.  |
I shut my eyes in order to see ~ Gauguin
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When you realize there is nothing lacking - the whole world belongs to you ~ Lao Tzu
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Personal website introduction. brilliantchallenge.webs.com/
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39don
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It has been awhile since I tried anything different or accomplished something finished except a few cabs. I ground a cab of Apache Rhyolite planning to use it in this months KCContest. Problem being the wife saw it when I was almost finished polishing. Almost end of story cause she said it was not leaving here. While I was grinding it I happened to think if I mounted this cab I would use sterling and copper to bring out the color match of the cab and the copper. So my chance had arrived and she could have a prototype pendant with my learning mistakes (unknowing) for free. The fabbing process was too long so I didn't take any photo's. Three hurriedly taken photo's in the sunlight.   39don |
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Helene
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Don, I believe that is Apache Rhyolite, one of my all time favorites. Not that I don't like the Sonoran Dentritic Rhyolite, it's one of my second all time favorites, at least for today. The Apache is harder and takes a high polish, plus it is way more expensive. Kevin Kessler owns the mine, I think it's in New Mexico and the good Sonoran is owned by John Heusler, who has the best rough for the best price. The Sonoran is softer and polished to a matte finish which is lovely also.
Your wife has good taste and good judgment to insist the necklace stays home.
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39don
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Don, I believe that is Apache Rhyolite, one of my all time favorites. Not that I don't like the Sonoran Dentritic Rhyolite, it's one of my second all time favorites, at least for today. The Apache is harder and takes a high polish, plus it is way more expensive. Kevin Kessler owns the mine, I think it's in New Mexico and the good Sonoran is owned by John Heusler, who has the best rough for the best price. The Sonoran is softer and polished to a matte finish which is lovely also.
Your wife has good taste and good judgment to insist the necklace stays home.
You are correct Helene cause I purchased the slab this was cut from Kevin at Spruce Pines a couple of years ago. As I get older these new materials names are getting harder to remember. Thanks for helping me out, 39don |
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Enchantra
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Don I love your experimental piece. I like how you used both the copper and sterling together. Now I wonder how many of your pieces actually make it past your wife? It seems every one you make she claims!  |
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Helene
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Don I love your experimental piece. I like how you used both the copper and sterling together. Now I wonder how many of your pieces actually make it past your wife? It seems every one you make she claims! Iv'e noticed that also Amanda. I'd claim them too. It seems to me Don is very wise. |
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39don
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Don I love your experimental piece. I like how you used both the copper and sterling together. Now I wonder how many of your pieces actually make it past your wife? It seems every one you make she claims! Honestly between the wife and daughter very few, especially this year. They are my best sales representatives on the sales team. LOL. They sale more than I on Etsy.  |
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Enchantra
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Well Don with a sales team like that I guess you can't go wrong! |
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Helene
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I bet it's because they make the necklaces look good when they wear them.
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39don
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I bet it's because they make the necklaces look good when they wear them.
You might be right Helene. All this time I have been thinking my fabricating skills were the main selling points. Just goes to show you I don't know much............ 39don |
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skystone
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Don really nice piece. The combination of copper & sterling was a geat idea with that stone. One suggestion on the leaves. When stamping the viens in. Angle them a bit towards the tip & they'll look more natural. I know what you mean about the wife LOL Every time I finish one & show her. It's "oh for ME?"- "a yea shure honey" LOL
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Helene
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Your fabricating skills, design, and stone sell your work, but you wife wearing them will sell your jewelry more. That is if she is willing to part with them. :)
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39don
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Don really nice piece. The combination of copper & sterling was a geat idea with that stone. One suggestion on the leaves. When stamping the viens in. Angle them a bit towards the tip & they'll look more natural. I know what you mean about the wife LOL Every time I finish one & show her. It's "oh for ME?"- "a yea shure honey" LOL
I know what you mean on the slant of the leaf veins. I tried the straight vein and messed up 2 leaves. I need to regrind my punch for the slant so I can see where I'm positioning it better. Maybe I could get someone to cast some for me in both silver and copper. 39don |
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39don
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Your fabricating skills, design, and stone sell your work, but you wife wearing them will sell your jewelry more. That is if she is willing to part with them. :)
Your last sentence is the hangup........  Don |
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39don
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« Reply #33 on: August 10, 2014, 10:32:43 pm » |
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Two new pendants finished yesterday, Sat 8-9-14.......... Dryhead Agate.............   Stoney Creek Flower Jasper.........(Material I received in a swap with Michael Hoover last year)      Thanks for looking, 39don Note: All old photo's deleted of the jasper double necklace and updated 08-12-14 with new "O" ring connecting the 2 silver mountings. While not a drastic change it did bring the mountings closer together. DD |
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itsandbits1
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« Reply #34 on: August 11, 2014, 12:25:11 am » |
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nice looking peices |
The wheels of life go round and round, round and round, round and round, and then they hit a rock |
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Steve
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« Reply #35 on: August 11, 2014, 12:20:17 pm » |
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Great looking pieces.................. ..................If I might make a suggestion: On your 2nd piece smaller diameter jump ring and maybe a 'U' shaped backing jumper would draw the pieces closer together for a more balanced esthetically pleasing set-up. Just a suggestion to improve your pieces in the future. |
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dickb
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« Reply #36 on: August 11, 2014, 01:33:24 pm » |
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Both pieces are very nice and I agree with Steve that a small chain connection between the two cabs would be less bold. Dickb |
Elegance in Jewelry 69 Retired and Free GPAA, PLP - Blackhawk G&MC, CVR&MS Eastern Iowa, Clover SC |
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39don
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« Reply #37 on: August 11, 2014, 05:31:04 pm » |
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Great looking pieces.................. ..................If I might make a suggestion: On your 2nd piece smaller diameter jump ring and maybe a 'U' shaped backing jumper would draw the pieces closer together for a more balanced esthetically pleasing set-up. Just a suggestion to improve your pieces in the future. Thanks Steve, I didn't even think about that. This is the second double pendant I have ever made. I supposed I lucked out on the first one cause I did use smaller connecting rings. Maybe I could snip the middle ring on this piece and replace it with half round in the "u" shape as you mentioned? Thanks again, 39don |
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domdeslagons
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« Reply #38 on: August 11, 2014, 05:36:48 pm » |
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I love the first one!
Definitly the link between the 2 sets should be modify!
Great job!
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skystone
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« Reply #39 on: August 11, 2014, 11:00:34 pm » |
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Very nice pieces. I concur with using smaller rings for the chain connections & keeping the two stones closer together. The smaller & there by less obtrusive rings or even hidden behind. In the future it will help with the over all look of the piece. Hey this stuff is all part of the learning curve you know.
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39don
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« Reply #40 on: August 12, 2014, 09:07:23 pm » |
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Updated the original posting photo's with jasper necklace after a modification was made.......
Thanks,
39don
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dickb
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« Reply #41 on: August 12, 2014, 10:23:56 pm » |
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Don:
Tell us how you feel about the change to the pendant you made.
After all we can make suggestions, but what really matters is do you feel better about the change.
Dickb
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Elegance in Jewelry 69 Retired and Free GPAA, PLP - Blackhawk G&MC, CVR&MS Eastern Iowa, Clover SC |
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39don
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« Reply #42 on: August 12, 2014, 10:41:43 pm » |
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I'm not the one who will be wearing it so I'll do what is necessary to sell it. At this stage I only changed the middle ring connecter if someone wants the other 2 rings changed to smaller rings I'll do it at that time. It is a learning process for me. The quick fix went right quick. I should have cleaned it up better cause the polishing compound is noticeable in the last photo.  What and how do you feel about the change? Thanks, 39don |
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dickb
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« Reply #43 on: August 12, 2014, 11:09:02 pm » |
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I think it helped the design a lot and again as the designer it's your work and it needs to please you.
To add another suggestion. To simplify the design even more, since you already used silver sheet to back the cabs. I would have added 3 small tabs to the upper corners and 1 small tab to the top of the lower pendant, then drilled small holes in the tabs. The chain can be directly attached to the upper corner tabs with just the single jump ring on each end of the chains and one jump ring between the upper and lower cabs would connect the cabs together. 4 less jump rings used and the design would be a bit cleaner.
Again, It's not what I like, it's your work and your design.
Dickb
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Elegance in Jewelry 69 Retired and Free GPAA, PLP - Blackhawk G&MC, CVR&MS Eastern Iowa, Clover SC |
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Steve
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« Reply #44 on: August 13, 2014, 09:18:48 am » |
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The change definitely improved the appearance. The 'U' jumpers I mentioned would replace the 'O' rings. I think they are a little easier to adjust for visible depth while soldering. Dickb's suggestion is also a good one............Keep up the great work................. |
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39don
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« Reply #45 on: August 21, 2014, 12:13:48 pm » |
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A Crazy Lace Agate Ring I finished yesterday..........    Thanks for looking, 39don |
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rocks2dust
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« Reply #46 on: August 21, 2014, 02:12:25 pm » |
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Great design that compliments the stone, rather than distracts from it!
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domdeslagons
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« Reply #47 on: August 21, 2014, 03:00:33 pm » |
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I am not too keen on stone rings, but I do like this one! The shape is really nice and the ring is not too heavy and is well balanced!
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Steve
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« Reply #48 on: August 21, 2014, 05:57:05 pm » |
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That's really SWEET............................................ |
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itsandbits1
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« Reply #49 on: August 21, 2014, 06:27:21 pm » |
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looks like a bracelet set on that rolling pin LOL just kidding, that is a nice setting, and the stone in the marquis shape lightens the weight of it a bit too. |
The wheels of life go round and round, round and round, round and round, and then they hit a rock |
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39don
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« Reply #50 on: August 21, 2014, 08:21:46 pm » |
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I recently purchased a hammer head? for my Foredom. I tried to get some background texture on the side basemetal. I had to regrind the hammer twice before it looked good enough but it still looks just so so. It really looks better in hand. 39don |
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asianfire
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« Reply #51 on: August 22, 2014, 06:55:01 pm » |
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Wow, have not dropped in here for quite a while, and what a sin that is, loosing out on so many goodies that are shown. This ring looks fantastic. I'm not a ring person and crazy lace is not my thing either, but I love the combo here. The balance is exceptional, and the color is regal. I also like the fact that the true hues of the stone are shown. Too often, people try all sorts of things with light and when one gets the stone, disappointment with the color is inevitable. This shows clearly that there is no need for all that stuff. |
I shut my eyes in order to see ~ Gauguin
_______________________________
When you realize there is nothing lacking - the whole world belongs to you ~ Lao Tzu
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Personal website introduction. brilliantchallenge.webs.com/
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john likes rocks!
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« Reply #52 on: August 23, 2014, 12:45:40 am » |
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Looks very nice, and man that cab has some great colors. Thanks for posting the pix!
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itsandbits1
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« Reply #55 on: September 03, 2014, 07:18:25 pm » |
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I betcha that stone just glows!!!!!
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The wheels of life go round and round, round and round, round and round, and then they hit a rock |
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39don
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« Reply #57 on: September 07, 2014, 02:17:13 pm » |
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Two pendants completed yesterday........... Prudent Man Vein 1......  Laberdorite.........  39don |
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itsandbits1
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« Reply #58 on: September 07, 2014, 05:00:12 pm » |
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very nice Don |
The wheels of life go round and round, round and round, round and round, and then they hit a rock |
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orrum
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« Reply #59 on: September 07, 2014, 07:27:56 pm » |
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Those r GREAT! I hope to take some silver smithing class this year at Quar5zite.
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Nirena
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« Reply #60 on: October 28, 2014, 05:10:01 am » |
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Very beautiful and inspiring!
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39don
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« Reply #61 on: November 18, 2014, 06:22:31 pm » |
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My latest silver smithing pendant with a Brazilian Blue Sodalite Cab. This piece was made specially for a lady in Tennessee. 39don   I didn't clean it up as good as I thought.........buffing wax..  |
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Steve
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« Reply #62 on: November 18, 2014, 08:05:00 pm » |
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That is excellent Don.............Great stone and very good silver work. I do have a suggestion though.............Using a solder pick around the accent ring can, sometimes, eliminate the solder accumulation and 'bubbles' in spots. Just heat until the solder flows and using the point of the pick follow the channel between the two pieces of silver (bezel/accent ring). Moderate the torch heat while doing that by constantly moving the torch around the piece so as to not over heat it. You did an excellent job on matching the solder joint at the point........................................ |
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39don
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« Reply #64 on: November 18, 2014, 08:36:29 pm » |
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That is excellent Don.............Great stone and very good silver work. I do have a suggestion though.............Using a solder pick around the accent ring can, sometimes, eliminate the solder accumulation and 'bubbles' in spots. Just heat until the solder flows and using the point of the pick follow the channel between the two pieces of silver (bezel/accent ring). Moderate the torch heat while doing that by constantly moving the torch around the piece so as to not over heat it. You did an excellent job on matching the solder joint at the point........................................ Thanks Steve and yes I realize the short comings with the solder joint but if I had steadier hands maybe I could do the solder pick thing. It seems when I'm paying attention to the pick I mess up and I have a melt down most every time. So the best thing for me is to flow the solder and leave it alone........lol The bezel meet is not at the point but at the bottom. I have learned to use hard solder always at the joint so it won't get sucked out when soldering bezel to base. If you have a gap anywhere on the bezel meet after soldering it won't get any better later unless you can hide it. 39don |
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mick B
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« Reply #65 on: November 19, 2014, 12:47:45 pm » |
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Top class job Don, I love blue gems and your custom setting shows it off well.
Cheers mick B
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Alvin
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« Reply #66 on: November 19, 2014, 05:17:23 pm » |
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like this series of posts. very well done
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39don
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« Reply #67 on: November 19, 2014, 05:27:40 pm » |
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You did an excellent job on matching the solder joint at the point........................................ I took another photo of the pendant today to show the bezel meet just above bottom center right side........ Thanks for the Kudos's Guys.......... 39don  PS, My new photo lights came in today. These are the one's bobby1 uses. Now I have got to figure out the white balance all over again. dd |
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Steve
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« Reply #68 on: November 19, 2014, 05:38:12 pm » |
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That's a great solder joint..............can't even see it.......................... |
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domdeslagons
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« Reply #69 on: November 19, 2014, 08:36:19 pm » |
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I love it! Really nice and the setting is just perfect!
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liz
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« Reply #73 on: December 18, 2014, 02:51:15 pm » |
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You do great work |
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Helene
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« Reply #75 on: December 22, 2014, 10:20:35 pm » |
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Chrysoprase a favorite. The color is unbelievable to me. Your Fordite guitar pick is awesome! A pleasure to see.
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