Help: "dome-shaped glassy thing"?

**mochiandmocha** · 07-01-2010, 08:57 AM

We almost have a couple of orders for rings made from the Reborn! manga, but there is one detail that the customer really wants and we have no idea how to do it!

The ring itself should be OK, but he insists on having that "dome-shaped glassy" cover that magnifies the design inside.

We'll make the ring in PMC and the design with the shell will be embossed. But how do we cover that with a dome??? He's had plastic domes before on previous rings. How about a stone/cabochon or something? How do you use a stone with PMC (we've never used stones at all)??? Is it possible to fire PMC with a stone on it?
Can you make something in PMC in two stages: firing one part, then adding "fresh" clay and fire them together? Would the PMC bind on the silver?

What would you recommend? In a pinch plastic would do since it's what he's used to, but it would be a shame wouldn't it?

Thanks for your help!

**Emerald** · 07-01-2010, 11:37 AM

i used to put clear Chrystal over designs i had put in the bottom of rings and this magnified it slightly

**MuranoSilver** · 07-01-2010, 01:34 PM

Personally if he insists on plastic I'd turn down the work..it will scratch and then you're making yourself future nightmares

If you can find a clear glass dome, then you could fire in some fine silver bezel strip (with the ring) and set the stone after. That lets you fire at 900 degrees C for maximum ring strength.
Nic x

**abyjem** · 07-01-2010, 09:07 PM

Maybe someone who does lampwork could make some sort of transparent semi-hollow cabochon type thingy??

**mochiandmocha** · 08-01-2010, 04:10 PM

Thank you so much for your help everyone, although some of the term you used are a bit too advanced or uknown to us....

Anyway, when we told the guy that we'd do some more research and ask "experts" on jewellery forums to make it just right and hopefully use a stone for high quality, he said that's "what he wanted to happen".

So thank you, all experts out there ^_^!

PS: Now for the homework, i'll go look up those fancy words..

**mochiandmocha** · 08-01-2010, 04:17 PM

Ok, so I think we'll follow your advice, Nic.
So from what you're saying, it should be possible to fire the PMC ring with the bezel strip (meaning firing silver to clay), and then set the stone....?
I know I'm just repeating what you said but am I right?
In any case we'll have to practice first! ^_^

Again thank you thank you thank you, I'm gonna tell the Philippines guy the good news!

**Emerald** · 08-01-2010, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by mochiandmocha

Ok, so I think we'll follow your advice, Nic.
So from what you're saying, it should be possible to fire the PMC ring with the bezel strip (meaning firing silver to clay), and then set the stone....?
I know I'm just repeating what you said but am I right?
In any case we'll have to practice first! ^_^

Again thank you thank you thank you, I'm gonna tell the Philippines guy the good news!

yes but what are you going to use as the dome ??

**mochiandmocha** · 09-01-2010, 10:20 AM

clear moonstone cabochon? Maybe we'll experiment with that...

**MuranoSilver** · 09-01-2010, 10:28 AM

Yes that'swhat you can do

**mizgeorge** · 09-01-2010, 01:48 PM

These might be better than moonstone (and certainly clearer)

Gemstone Cabochons - Clear Quartz

Or look for a buff top glass cab - these often look like they have a frosted backing, but once the epoxy is in place they go completely clear. They're designed to magnify. Manchester minerals used to have them, but I'm not sure if they only have oval now.