Thunder Bay Amethyst Pendant Project Download

Description

Set a gemstone in three different ways wtih this beautiful pendant project. Challenge and build your soldering skills as you join tiny components together.

Required Materials:

• Amethyst cab
• 6 x 8 mm faceted amethyst
• 6 x 8 mm oval sterling silver prong head
• Amethyst shard about 5 x 6 x22 mm
• 24 gauge sterling silver wire for two tiny jump rings
• Hard and medium solder – wire form
• 1 1/ 2 inch square of 20 gauge sterling silver sheet
• 4 inches of 26 gauge, 4.75 mm fine silver bezel wire
• ¼ inch O.D. sterling silver tube
• 20-gauge sterling silver jump rings cut to ¾ round circles
• 2 inches of ?-inch fine silver bezel wire
• Scrap of 22 gauge sterling silver sheet
• 2 small 18-gauge sterling silver jump rings
• 2-part Epoxy 330

Tools:

• HAND AND FABRICATION: OptiVISOR for magnification, bench pin, small drill bit for mandrel, flush cutters, half-round needle file, chasing hammer, bench block, fine point Sharpie, jeweler’s saw, 4/0 blades, saw blade lubricant, hallmark stamps, mandrel that fits securely inside sterling silver tubing – look for a 5.5 mm dapping tool or a wooden dowel, jeweler’s straight edge, 1.5 mm mandrel, such as a finishing nail, 2 pairs of chain nose pliers
• SOLDERING: torch, fine tweezers, soldering block, Prip’s flux in small spray bottle, water for quenching, pickle, copper tongs, soldering tripod and screen, soldering tweezers
• FINISHING AND SETTING: Ring file; sandpaper or nail salon sanding sticks in 220, 320, 400, 600, 1000 and 1200 grit; Glide brand dental floss; flex shaft, Dremel or bench polishing machine; buffing wheel, buffing compound, bezel burnisher

Technique: fine soldering, working with tiny components, soldering curved surfaces together
Originally Published: Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist January/February 2015