Something to blog about !
Have been burning, melting, and generally wasting a lot of silver trying to learn how to silversmith, the past few pendants have turned out a-ok though.
Thought might blog about and share a few of the most recent, successful, and favorite pendants.
This first one has a Nipomo and Marcisite gemstone cabochon. Unlike most of the pendants have done, this one is not backed. It is set with a step type bezel tape. This Nipomo has easily become one of my most favorite minerals.
Then this Picture Jasper pendant is backed, and then used a gallery type bezel tape.
This is a neat little Mexican Lace Agate pendant.
Then my first, from scratch ring.. The stone is Obsidian.
Another Mexican Lace Agate. This particular stone was cut pretty much from just below the crust of the rough. The result was a lot of agate with floating orb effect. Love this stuff !
Then this gemmy green Variscite pendant and bracelet set.
Finally this Rhodonite pendant. I did not take any pics through out the process. The backing was textured by running it through a rolling mill. Something that is on my wish list ! They are very expensive, but a member of my forum shared one that only costs 130.00. It is perfect for what I would be using it for. Now the possibility of having one is a bit more possible !
The bail is a step type bezel tape that I ground off the step part leaving just the pattern part. Then used gallery type wire to set the stone in. This turned out to be one of my favorite pieces so far !
Hope ya like em, and thanks for stopping in !
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Larry E. Whittington 01.06.10 at 2:23 am
I liked your cabs as well as your silver work.
Great.
georgeingraham 01.06.10 at 4:25 am
Hey Larry,
Thank you…
I like your silver work as well !!
Helen Hill 01.06.10 at 1:19 pm
Hi George, I love how neat your work is considering you’ve not been doing it long! It looks so much more professional than many intermediate metalsmiths’ work - myself included. It’s what I try hard to improve, and where I am still sadly lacking. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
georgeingraham 01.06.10 at 2:54 pm
Hi Helen..
Hey, I have seen your work.. You are twice the smith I am ! Your jewelry shows it !!
Intermediate does not describe your pieces. They are awesome and I only wish could work with silver like you..
Thank you for the positive comments !
Helen Hill 01.12.10 at 7:33 am
Wow, thanks George! You really do have something though - I call it talent, but in light of the recent thread about talent on Orchid, I don’t know whether what you and I have is called talent or not, but you certainly have the “touch”.
georgeingraham 01.12.10 at 12:04 pm
Helen,
Can you point me to the talent thread your talking about.. Would like very much to read it !
Helen Hill 01.13.10 at 2:31 pm
It was called “The myth of talent”. I decided to stay out of that one, as I would have got myself into some arguments had I joined in.
Mary Ann 01.18.10 at 4:13 pm
George,
I just happened upon your blog and I am glad I did. You are doing beautiful work. I am inspired. I make jewelry and sell semi precious designer cabochons but my jewelry work has not included soldering yet. I did that in the past and hope to again. Keep up the good work.
georgeingraham 01.18.10 at 7:12 pm
Hi Mary Ann ..
Thanks for the compliment.. I am still learning, getting the kinks worked out and slowly gathering up all the desirable tools that go along with making jewelry..
Drop into my forum if your have any questions as you progress with self teaching yourself silversmithing/soldering.. Would love to have ya !