Search:

Seems to be down a lot at the moment with a content encoding error - whatever that might be!.

Oh that's sad. That is something that can't be recreated.

I've just been asked to repair a piece for a customer. I have asked if they want me to clean and polish it. It is actually in desperate...

If a client gives you a piece of jewellery with a specific job to do, do you just do that or do you do other work that wasn't asked for?

I've had 2 rings now that have come back rather different...

So easy beginner's job then! Now to find someone with a laser. I don't want to use the local guy after what he did to my last ring....

That's what worries me. If it was just diamond I'd go for it. The ring is even prettier is real life. I bought it at pretty much scrap price but it's much too nice to break up.

I have this really lovely little band ring in 18ct gold. It's bead set with tiny angelskin coral cabs and diamond chips. It's very delicate and needs some TLC.

It had to be cut off so I need to...

That sounds like heaven to me.

I'm so over the grey damp cold and miserable weather here and longing for some sun. I'm OK up to around 40C but then I do wilt and seek the AC

I took advice from Hamilton Gas on which burner to use on my own Sievert for this

They recommended the 8179 which fits on the same neck as the jewellers tip but has 8x the heat output. It's not as...

I have just ordered a new one which I plan to keep in a plastic bag with some damp kitchen paper to see if that help

Everyone seems to be complaining about the syringes drying out now.

I've been chipping mine out of the syringe myself this week. I've never used the long applicator thing but just squeezed a...

I use the Flogas brand as that's what the local scrappy sells- they still do smaller sizes. Mine is 9kg

Why has that never occurred to me.....#-o

The bracelet dies are actually dead easy to use and give a great result. Much easier than shot plates. They are actually one of my best sellers!.

I've used them with up to 2mm thick wire using a...

Hello!

I also got into silversmithing more seriously during covid. Well had to pass the time somehow...

I don't think that one has gears does it?

You may find it hard work to use.

I have a slightly larger Durstan with gearing and it still gives me a bit of a workout at times. I should probably...

Thank you Dennis!

Solstice blessings to everyone

Fabulous Dennis - thank you. Yes it will be by rolling mill and I'll be roping in my assistant to help keep it straight!

Had I known I was going to take up jewellery making I might have paid more attention to certain parts of my maths lessons!


Is there a formula for working out how much longer a piece of wire will...

I've broken several of those headband magnifiers.... I live and work in an old cottage and I forget that the doors are so low when I push them up and go in search of a cup of tea!

What's working...

I wondered if they were the fake hallmarks designed to impress your guests with how rich you were when you weren't really!

Usually though there are makers initials on them which lets you track...

It never has for me. I use the same pickle and polishing shot for everything, cooper, silver and mixed metal pieces.

Thank you but I'm none the wiser.

Google tells me there are several chemicals that can be used for this.

What were the chemicals you were using?

I have the Sievert and love it (and am also effectively a one eyed silversmith as I lack binocular vision!)

If you choose Sievert, then buy from Hamilton Gas rather than Cooksons (will that get me...

Well I'm now slightly less freaked out by glass enamelling.

I initially made the mistake of watching an American video where the demonstrator started out with safety. Must have safety glasses and...