The only way to get truly near perfect balls (gosh, that sounds weird) is to use fine silver rather than sterling. It's the copper content that's responsible for the pitting and general lopsidedness....
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The only way to get truly near perfect balls (gosh, that sounds weird) is to use fine silver rather than sterling. It's the copper content that's responsible for the pitting and general lopsidedness....
Seems like a pretty comprehensive (yet daunting) list! I'm certainly not brave enough to even attempt working with platinum yet but it is on my long list of aspirations for the future.
About...
I've wanted to try out some Luxi compounds for ages now. I might finally give in and order some soon but right now I'm in a grump with Cooksons because they still haven't despatched two very...
I too use a dremel with flexshaft attachment but I would very much like to get a proper polishing motor soon! I regularly use tripoli and rouge and find them brilliant but I quite often use less...
As far as I was aware, Cooksons proudly guarantee to despatch all orders the same day if placed before 3pm. Well, I placed an order on April 4th and shortly after that I placed another order on the...
Well done, Louisella, definitely a well deserved win :D
Lesley, thank you soooooooo much! :D
You're a star! I'm feeling much less apprehensive about this custom order now.
The solder seam will be hidden underneath the tube setting so hopefully the...
Thanks so much :D
Just another quick question, I have never really used rose/red gold before and I was wondering what solder to you? I've heard that the 'red gold' solder is a bit of a pain and...
Thanks so much Lesley and Medusa :D
I'm going to talk to my customer again and she what she'd prefer. It's a shame the 9ct gold red tubing isn't so readily available. In an ideal world, I would...
Hi everyone!
I was wondering whether anyone might know of somewhere that supplies rose gold tubing? I'm looking to buy some 9ct or 18ct rose gold tube for a commission but I have never used rose...
Ohh! Carole, that's beautiful! May I ask, what are the beads? They look a bit like chrysocolla and quartz chips to me but I can't tell from the pic. Either way, the piece is wonderful :D
I can't seem to see a link in your post but I'd love to have a look at what you're selling :)
Oooh! I love this theme!
This is my entry.
4595
This is my sterling & fine silver "Rain to Sea" stacking ring set. It's three separate rings to be worn together, each ring has a frosted...
Hmmm, yes, some strange things appear to be going on today. I was trying to log in from my phone and tablet but something just kept going wrong :(
Hello Dmitrii :D
Welcome!
I adore filigree work but it is not something that I've really tried myself. It's so very intricate and beautiful though, do you have any pictures of your work?
Haha! I know, it sounds like some sort of torture device. Either way, it is staying safely stashed away in my tool graveyard. The name "ring stracher" really doesn't inspire much confidence! ;)
Dennis, oh how I long for a good upright ring stretcher! I only have a cheapo one from eBay and I'm too scared to use it because, well, on the packet it was called a "Ring Stracher"...
If necessary, I anneal the wire first then use a pair of half round pliers to make the ring into an odd oval sort of shape and get the two ends completely flush although a lot of people like to do it...
James has said it all really :)
The plater should degrease everything before beginning the plating process as areas of grease or other contamination will cause an uneven or just plain awful end...
I use one of the round bead containers, much like the one from Cooksons (linked). I've labelled each little compartment with the grade of solder and cut up all my little pallions all in one go when I...
If you're only using it to plate the occasional bit of silver, it lasts for ages. If you want to build up a heavier plate, you have to use more solution but if you're only plating a small surface...
You can get basic kits on eBay but they're not the best. I got a great kit from Spa Plating. They do a simple battery operated one that I hear works very well. You don't need to buy the entire kit,...
Hi Nick!
First of all, a disclaimer, I'm not an expert, just someone who has spent more time than I care to mention practicing flush setting ;)
There's been some great advice so far. I just...
Yep, gold plating after soldering is the only way to deal with this. The silver just 'absorbs' the gold plating at you heat it. Even though true vermeil does have a fairly thick plating of gold...
That doesn't look anything like jet to me.
I'd say smoky quartz or possibly brown topaz. Topaz is harder than quartz, if you have a spare bit of quartz lying around (amethyst, rose quartz, etc)...