Double Hoop Earrings

Step 1:

File.
File a small groove on the place where you want the pin, using a half round needle file. This provides the solder more surface area to connect the pin to the circle and ensures a strong joint.

Step 2:

Position.
Place the pin in reverse action tweezers and position on the groove, ensuring there is no gap between the pin and the circle.

Step 3:

Paste.
Place a small amount of solder paste onto the join.

Step 4:

Solder.
Solder the piece on the soldering block, remembering to move in circular movements so the heat is evenly dispersed.

Step 5:

Pickle.
Place the piece in pickling solution and leave for 20 minutes. Repeat on another circle.

Step 6:

Saw.
Whilst the soldered pieces are pickling, saw the remaining two circles in half. Ensure that the cut is as clean and precise as possible.

Step 7:

Rinse.
Remove the items from the pickle and rinse in water.

Step 8:

Close the join.
Place the second circle over the first circle and close the join.

Step 9:

Solder the join.
Place on the soldering block and put a small amount of solder paste on the join. Solder the join, trying not to focus too much heat on the other circle.

Step 10:

Pickle again.
Place in the pickling solution and leave for 20 minutes, and repeat for the other earring.

Step 11:

Rinse.
Remove the items from the pickle and rinse in water.

Step 12:

File.
File the solder joins with needle files on both earrings, including the soldered pin area. Ensure the joins are not visible.

Step 13:

Hammer.
Hammer the second circle with a planishing hammer or texturising hammer, to create texture on both sides. Remember to do this on a steel block or anvil.

Step 14:

Harden.
Harden the pins on both earrings by using flat nose pliers and twisting clockwise then anti-clockwise.

Step 15:

Burnish.
Use a straight burnisher and move across the pin on the edge of a steel block/anvil, remembering to cover all sides and right to the end of the pin to ensure it is hardened sufficiently.

Step 16:

Polish.
Polish in a barrelling machine or by your desired method.

Step 17:

Oxidise.
Paint oxidising solution onto the second circle and rinse with water after each coat. The level of darkness it up to you. Try not to touch the first circle with the oxidising solution. If this happens you can polish it out.

Step 18:

Seal.
Use Renaissance Wax to seal in the oxidisation.

Step 19:

The finishing touches.
Place the scrolls on the pins and your earrings are completed!

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