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View Full Version : Gold earrings - Picking a point on the effort / risk / reward curve


metalsmith
27-12-2015, 01:40 PM
I'm hoping someone might be able to advise ...

I have picked up a pair of enamelled earrings from thE bay which I am looking to refurbish

They are currently fitted with 3mm bead and ring findings and push on clasps.

Cookies sell the bead ring findings, but not push-ons in gold. Never mind. My dilemma is - with limited experience of working in gold (but I don't mind trying!)

should I buy...
2 x http://www.cooksongold.com/Findings/9ct-Yellow-Bead-And-Ring-3mm-304-prcode-NBJ-033 and scrolls

or http://www.cooksongold.com/Finished-Jewellery/9ct-Yellow-Pair-3mm-Light-Weight---Ball-Studs-prcode-XAA-2000
and solder on a jump ring - will the 'light weight' ball collapse (or explode) on heating?

should I buy the materials and make balls, jump ring, post and scrolls from scratch (tho since I didn't make the enamelled earrings, I don't have the investment of made-it-myself so far and think it's probably not worth it)

Thanks for your thoughts.
enigma
27-12-2015, 02:25 PM
I would just buy the first ones, why make life more difficult if there is no real gain to be had?
pearlescence
27-12-2015, 02:37 PM
Unless you feel your immortal soul will be massively enhanced by making from components (and then go mining in Wales?) make life simple. Don't reinvent the wheel.
metalsmith
27-12-2015, 04:28 PM
Unless you feel your immortal soul will be massively enhanced by making from components (and then go mining in Wales?) make life simple. Don't reinvent the wheel.

Perhaps not massively, but I do enjoy the process of making and yes, it brings peace to my soul - and satisfaction. Normally that would include the findings, but on this occasion I have bought them. Thanks for guidance.
Dennis
27-12-2015, 06:15 PM
Scrolls are long winded to make, but only worth it if you want a heavy duty pair to complement hand made earrings.

One not so obvious advantage of buying those above, is that you get the beautiful double grooved posts, which I find impossible to make neatly enough.

I wonder whether a mini version of Alan's newly invented bail maker would do it? Dennis
enigma
27-12-2015, 09:07 PM
I actually always use either the threaded ones or Omega backs now as the earrings are so much more secure.
caroleallen
30-12-2015, 01:53 PM
What's Alan's newly invented bail maker?
ps_bond
30-12-2015, 02:10 PM
One of these?

8509
Dennis
30-12-2015, 03:39 PM
What's Alan's newly invented bail maker?

Its a modified tube cutting tool, where he substituted a washer for the cutter, to make cricket bails from tubing:

http://www.cooksongold.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7587&page=2&p=84769#post84769 26.12.15 Dennis.
caroleallen
30-12-2015, 06:49 PM
Haha! Very funny. I can always rely on you.


One of these?

8509