Silver Dust Granulation Applique Earrings Project Download

Description

Add the drama and contrast of a patinated, tufa cast look without the carving and casting.

Skills: Sawing; Filing; Soldering, including applique; Punching or drilling; Forming; Finishing;

Materials Needed to Complete this Project:

• Sterling silver dust
• 3" x 1½" piece of 22 or 20 gauge sterling silver sheet (for the earrings)
• 1" x 1" piece of 20 gauge sterling silver sheet (for the appliqué hands)
• Two small chips of hard solder
• Paste flux
• Ear wires
• Liver of sulfur or your favorite silver blackening agent (Read directions on your blackening agent thoroughly and follow them explicitly. Use in an open area and keep away from ingesting and splashing into your eyes.)

Tools Needed to Complete this Project:

• Soldering equipment
• General bench
• Buffing and polishing tools, including:
• A small piece of card stock or paper
• Fine mesh tea strainer
• Paste flux
• Jewelers saw with 5/0 or 3/0 saw blades
• Hole punch or drill press
• Fine toothed flat file or emery board
• Bracelet mandrel and leather hammer
• Needle nose pliers for attaching the ear wires.

Originally Published: Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, September/October 2017