cast settings etc.

[cezerpringle]

What is everyone's opinion on the cast settings, stamped beze settings, etc. Etc. At cooksons? Do you use them? If you do use them how do you rectify this with the "handmadeness" of your pieces... I'm just thinking that people must buy them and I can imagine that they're cheaper than making the settings by hand.. and of course more time efficient.... just thought it would be interesting to guage opinion.
Thanks
Ceri

[ben b]

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[cezerpringle]

Thanks, that was very informative... I think I'm worried about buying them as I worry about whether it can really be reffered to as handmade when using a premade setting, if nothing else it sure as anything cuts down on wastage.
Thanks
Ceri

[Solunar Silver Studio]

It's all a matter of degrees isn't it? I have had countless arguments with tutors over the years over this subject...none of it jewellery related though.

I always got uptight about 'artists' who only come up with a concept and then get a craftsman to translate it into stone, wood, metal, paint - whatever....and then the artist gets all the acclaim but the technical skill and workmanship provided by the person who physically created the artifact is never mentioned.

Most people who make jewellery will accept without a second thought the use of machine made chain, lobster clasps, wire drawn to specific thickness and ready made sheet metal without once thinking that to be a true purist in the search of the totally handmade they would have to mine and refine their own precious metals - create their own sheet and wire, chains and fastenings. Then how much further do you go... what about using machinery in your workshop...the chemicals you buy in...the enamels that are ground, refined, and quality controlled? Precious stones that are mined, sorted cut and finished by another craftsman? Beads....., stringing materials....

When once you start to be pedantic you get mired down in a bog of your own making.

I can't talk because I find it hard to use bought in stuff. The fact that I am working in fine silver, and there is very little in the way of ready made findings available in the UK, and what there is I object to paying over the odds for...means I end up making most of my stuff myself....but I also have a very limited range of things I can make at the moment. But I know the time will come when it is simply crazy for me not to buy some finished findings.

Most customers would not bat an eyelid at you using a bought in finding - just because what you are talking about is a bit more fancy than a headpin(!!) doesn't make this any less true. What they are looking for in a handmade piece is uniqueness...something that can't be bought elsewhere...something that has been loved and crafted by someone who cares about what they make and the customer they pass it on to.

In the end it is down to you how far you go down this road before you draw the line and say stop. Each person will have their own comfort zone and so long as you are happy with what you make and can comfortably accept a piece as being handmade by you then that is right for you. No one has the right to criticise another's choice on where the line is drawn. At the end of the day the customer will decide if your 'handmade' ticks their boxes or the 'handfinished' imported stuff from the stall down the aisle does.

Generally people don't just appear on the scene as ready made jewellers. Certainly it would seem that the majority of people on this forum have started out very humbly - working with purchased finding and learning the skills they need to progress - that sort of work is very much loved by both the maker (at that time in their career) and their customers...just as much as the glorious gemstone encrusted creations of the truly experienced artisan jeweller is by them and their customers.

Just be happy with what you are doing...that is all that matters...you are supposed to be filled with happiness and satisfaction watching your creation develop...not tying yourself up in knots and having sleepless nights about how handmade your beautiful work is!!

Erm... I'll just step down off my soapbox now shall I??

[ps_bond]

"If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe."

Carl Sagan

[Solunar Silver Studio]

Yet again...some bloke says it in a sentence when I have written a thesis!!

Still ...all of my speech was 'handmade'.....I didn't pluck it off the bookshelf!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!