Supporting Star Finding Project Download

Description

Create a toggle set with a stone that works equally well as a secure finding and a decorative focal

Skills: Soldering, Stone setting, Basic metalwork

Materials Needed to Complete this Project:

• Flat semi-precious stone (Aqua Terra jasper/agate shown)
• 6"x ¼" 26g fine silver sheet (the width will depend on the thickness of the stone, length will depend on size of your stone)
• 6" 14g sterling silver square wire, dead soft
• 2 6mm 19g jump ring
• 1" 16g sterling silver wire, dead soft (may vary)
• 1 6mm half-round, half-drilled pearl
• 1×1" 12g copper sheet

Tools Needed to Complete this Project:

• Soldering:
  • Butane torch
  • Tripod with mesh
  • Fire tweezers (cross-locking are best)
  • Soldering board of choice
  • Solder paste (hard, medium, easy)
  • Flux
  • Pickle
• Fabrication:
  • Metal files
  • Curved burnisher
  • Rotary tool
  • Heavy duty wire cutters
  • Ultra flush wire cutters
  • Fine tip Sharpie
  • Cardboard
• Stone Setting:
  • Bezel rocker
  • Dressmaker’s t-pin
  • E6000
• Finishing:
  • 400, 500, and 600 sandpaper
  • buffing wheel 
  • polishing compound
• Optional Pearl Drilling:
  • 1" wood dowel rod
  • wood bead holder
  • diamond twist drill bit (see chart for size)

Originally Published: Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, May/June 2018