Whats the one thing you haven't been able to master?

**wendy** · 26-07-2009, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by ps_bond

There's a fairly thorough essay on niello in Metals Technic IIRC.

Thanks for that, I'll have a read and then decide if I'm equipped to have a go! It does look like a labour intensive process, but I do fancy having a go because I love the finish. I have some ancient recipie books for jewllers, little pamphlets full of crazy alloys and patinas, makes me wish I had access to a lab!

**Coco** · 26-07-2009, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by wendy

Has anyone ever worked with Niello? It's something that I've always wanted to try, and never actually got round to because the recipie I have is a little vague. I have plenty of lead, but wonder if liver of sulphur would do for the 'add plenty of sulphur' bit, is liver of sulphur the same as sulphur?? I'm no scientist!!

I have no idea what it is, but now you've mentioned it, I want to try it

What is it?

**julie** · 27-07-2009, 06:36 AM

i can't make nice ,neat clasps every now and then i think i have masted it by making one i can use.. nearly all look like large "FISH" hooks

**Ominicci** · 28-07-2009, 01:01 PM

Emma - are you soldering rings 'in the round' so to speak? When you join the two ends make it so they join on a flat plane - so the ring is more like a D shape and the ends are on the flat side. It makes it easier to solder. then you can bash it round a mandrel to make it round again. Does that help any?

**EmmaRose** · 28-07-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by silver Girl

hey em
I would love to help you if I can ?
do you solder rings , or do you just make ring without soldering ??
ether way , let me know and I see if I can help you

I can't solder them lol, I usually buy ring blanks or use twisted wires.....
would love to be able to solder them! I can solder jump rings fine, but a finger ring,

nah uh LOL! would appreciate any help!!
Em

**EmmaRose** · 28-07-2009, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Ominicci

Emma - are you soldering rings 'in the round' so to speak? When you join the two ends make it so they join on a flat plane - so the ring is more like a D shape and the ends are on the flat side. It makes it easier to solder. then you can bash it round a mandrel to make it round again. Does that help any?

already doing that! :-(

**caroleallen** · 28-07-2009, 05:13 PM

What sort of rings are you trying to make? Are they from sheet or wire. If making from sheet, Cooksons will cut lengths (up to 1m) in any width which makes it easier to cut. Of course, having your own guillotine also helps.