Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11

Thread: hep with making a sterling silver circle? (basic)

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    31

    Default hep with making a sterling silver circle? (basic)

    Hi,

    I'm jst starting out with jewelry making and was wondering if anyone can tell me how to make the attached sterling silver pendant?

    I've tried making it with 8g fine silver wire and I've just flattened the "flat part of the pendant" with a chasing hammer and that seems to work but it leaves marks and its not a smooth rounded finish like the one in the photo.

    Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails circle pendant.JPG  

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Posts
    1,743

    Default

    hard to tell from the photo, but that looks like it's hollow, bit how they make creole earrings.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Cornwall
    Posts
    3,172

    Default

    I'd say that it's probably been carved from wax and cast. You could probably make the shape from Milliput or Fimo and either cast it yourself using Delft Clay, or send it off to a caster.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    108

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 4ngi3 View Post

    I've tried making it with 8g fine silver wire and I've just flattened the "flat part of the pendant" with a chasing hammer and that seems to work but it leaves marks and its not a smooth rounded finish)
    Have you tried using a buff stick with different grades of wet and dry on the piece until the hammer marks are gone and then polish?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    All sorts of methods spring to mind, all requiring advanced techniques, but at its most basic just start with a thick wire ring and reduce it where needed with files and abrasive papers until the shape is right.

    Make a drawing to compare it with and check as you go. Dennis.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    31

    Default

    Thank you all for your replies, didn't think I was going to get one but very happy everyone's so helpful

    The one I would like to make would be solid sterling silver. I'm thinking to go with the wire method. I'll try the files and abrasive papers to get the shape smooth.

    Thanks again! I'll be back with more questions I'm sure since you've all been so helpful

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Posts
    31

    Default Follow-on question

    Actually, can i just add that the pendant that I made, I have been using the AdvantEdge Silicone Polishers on my dremel. first I use the black, blue then pink. But I don't seem to be able to get a mirror shine like the photo in my original post. Should I be using something else? Maybe the 3M radials instead/aswell?

    Thanks. I should have asked this question to begin with

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Romsey
    Posts
    5,256

    Default

    If the grading is similar to the ones I'm familiar with, pink isn't *all* that bright a polish. I'd normally follow on with a rouge on a swansdown buff or the peach & green radial wheels (5u & 1u, but I can't remember which is which offhand).

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,902

    Default

    Firstly I would make the shape by just piercing it from sheet, using a pair of dividers I would draw the outer circle, then make the dividers smaller and mark the inner off centre circle, pierce out the inner circle first and file it true, then pierce out the outer circle and then file the edges to shape. I consider my labour time worth more than the cost of the silver sheet, as for polishing, use a soft mop and some rouge to achieve the mirror shine silicone polishers will never achieve a totally mirror finish. I only use mops, calico with Tripoli and swansdown with rouge for my polishing.

    James

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Goldsmith View Post
    I consider my labour time worth more than the cost of the silver sheet, James
    That raises an interesting point James. If you have free time and not much cash, the reverse is true. It only remains to work out how much waste each approach would entail: Filings versus offcuts. Dennis.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •