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Mary
18-01-2010, 10:43 AM
Does anyone know the best way to draw a bead on gold filled wire without damaging the appearance of the gold finish?:confused:Cambridge.

mizgeorge
18-01-2010, 11:36 AM
I don't think it can be done Mary. To get the wire hot enough for it to flow into a ball will melt the gold plating. Most gold fill has a brass core, so it may well pit as well.

You could have it replated afterwards, or switch to solid gold for that part of the piece?

Mary
18-01-2010, 01:25 PM
Thanks George you have described exactly what happens! Guess I must think again as to what I can make out of 50ft 14/20 GF wire.#-o

Emerald
18-01-2010, 04:08 PM
what where you tying to make Mary, earwires? I just spiral the end of plated wire :~:

Mary
19-01-2010, 12:38 PM
Thanks Jo, I was planning to use it to thread small Swarovski bead tassels a bit like bunches of grapes and I don't like flat headpins they look a bit mass produced.:(

mizgeorge
19-01-2010, 01:18 PM
Mary, have you thought about making little knotted headpins? Cut a piece of wire about 30% longer than you want the final pin to be and bend this extra piece back on itself. Grip the very end of the bend in pliers and just wrap the tail around the body of the pin, either just once, or in couple of layers for a bit more interest. Very effective, and quick to do as well.

Mary
19-01-2010, 02:31 PM
Hi George that sounds like an ideal solution to my problem Thanks:)