Something a little regal.

[sam.k]

So yesterday I posted a picture in the competition thread of a ring I made. It was my first attempt at a crown collet and it turned out very well.
Today I decided to revisit the same subject but with a bit of tweaking.
This is what was produced.
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww358/Akkirin/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160819_191624_zpsnfdonuro.jpg (http://s735.photobucket.com/user/Akkirin/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160819_191624_zpsnfdonuro.jpg.html)
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww358/Akkirin/Mobile%20Uploads/20160819_191358_zpsj1ta32li.jpg (http://s735.photobucket.com/user/Akkirin/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160819_191358_zpsj1ta32li.jpg.html)

I am very pleased with the outcome, there are things I feel I could improve on but I feel real progress is happening.
I would welcome any feedback as I feel I improve much quicker with the insights of those more experienced.

[enigma]

That looks really good Sam, well done!
Is there a pic from the top?
It looks like you made the two central claws wider is that right?

[sam.k]

All the claws are slightly different, I would say it's because I wanted it to look chaotic and different but in honesty it's just down to in experience.
Thank you for the praise.

[Patstone]

I would be VERY pleased if mine came out as good as that. Well done, its lovely.

[enigma]

Lol you could easily have convinced me you did it on purpose if it was just the 2 central ones.
Did you shape the claws with a concave burr or by hand?

[sam.k]

Its all been filed by hand.

[Goldsmith]

You did ask for feedback Sam, well one tip from me is to finish filing your setting with finer files and polish the setting before setting the stone in place, looking at your photo the setting shapes still have file marks.

9229

James

[sam.k]

Thanks Dennis, I want to keep crisp edges on the edges of the crown, would further polishing round them off? I was worried that it would, well, polish my sharp edges off so to speak.

[Dennis]

No not Dennis, that was James Miller, one of our few bench trained and highly acclaimed professionals. I'm flattered, though he might not be amused.

As James said, Needle files and escapement files come in various grades, so that you can achieve a better finish even with files alone.

That said, the degree of finish is upto the individual jeweller, and some have a following for the intentional roughness of stile, which shows the marks of the craftsman. Dennis(not James).

[sam.k]

Oops!!! Sorry, I have made a bit of a boo boo

[Goldsmith]

Thanks Dennis, I want to keep crisp edges on the edges of the crown, would further polishing round them off? I was worried that it would, well, polish my sharp edges off so to speak.

Sam, if you use fine files to remove unwanted marks then you will not need to do severe edge removing polishing, as Dennis said some jewellers show an intentional roughness of style and finish, if that's your method then forget what I have said. But if you are seeking to create jewellery that is regarded as quality then remove all blemishes not intended in the design.
If you are interested in seeing my type of work find a copy of this book to look at. Or just Google my full name of James Miller FIPG.

9231

James

[sam.k]

James I will now be getting a copy of your book for sure!
It was not my intention to leave file marks, more the lack of skill of the amateur.
Thank you for the advice, it helps my work improve enormously