Floating Opal Pendant Project Download

Description

Create a gravity defying necklace by setting a gemstone in the center of an open lentil bead. The dimension gives the stone the illusion that it is floating in the middle of the bead, making a bold statement. This seemingly complex necklace is easier to make than you think! Combine basic metalsmithing and stone setting techniques to make this one-of-a-kind gemstone necklace.

Skills: Basic metalsmithing, Basic stone setting

Materials:

• Traditional of Argentium sterling sheet, 22 gauge
• 18-guage half-round wire
• Mexical opal or other irregular-shaped stone
• Boulder opal or other beads
• Silver beads
• Bead-stringing cord
• Clasp
• Crim beads
• Chemical blackener (optional)

Tools: Basic hand tools, soldering setup, circle template, disc punches (optional), dapping punches and dapping block or thermoset plastic

Originally published in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist January/February 2020