[Jewelry making - Article 00572] - Re: [Orchid] Newbie Questions

[Nancy Bernardine-Widmer]

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    Hi Carrie, Glad to see you here! 
 
>         1.  I am hand polishing and I have need to use some bobbing
>     compound. Up to this point I have been able to get away with
>     different grits of <snip> to the chamois?  (next on my list is a
>     flex-shaft but as of now I'm using my hands). 

    I don't do much hand polishing so I'll let someone else who does
    answer this one.  But as to flex shafts, if you are short on funds I
    would suggest a Ryobi.  Several years ago my Foredom "died" in the
    middle of the Christmas season when I was swamped and needed
    something immediately.  A jeweler on this list (ringman, I think) had
    just suggested the Ryobi as an inexpensive alternative so I went to a
    local big time hardware chain and bought one.  I love it and am still
    using it, although I have replaced my Foredom.  What I especially like
    about it is the handpiece because it is lightweight and narrow - easy
    to hold.  You would want a Foredom, Phingst (sp?) or one of the others
    if you can afford it, but if funds are low the Ryobi is a great
    interium tool. 


>         2.  I am doing a bracelet and each of the sections is to have a
>     different texture.  Would I be better off texturing the metal first
>     and then cutting out the pattern or vice versa?  I have come across
>     pro's and con's for either way and I was wondering what is the
>     "correct" sequence? 

    Hmmm, so many variables here depending on how the bracelet is
    designed, the size of the links, the type of texture and the process
    you are using to put the pieces together.  I suggest you think each
    step through very carefully and then determine what will probably
    work best for your design. 

>         3.  When doing a piece (a pierced piece, for example) that is
>     not going to be further work hardened (no hammering, etc.) how can I
>     <snip> I've never used the spring hardened sterling but someone who
>     has will probably have a good answer for you. 

>         4.  Finally, I realize that this is probably a matter of
>     preference, but when doing, say, a pendant or flat segments in a
>     bracelet, what guages (or range of guages) metal do you prefer?  I
>     started working something in 24 guage sheet, but to me it doesn't
>     "feel" right.  It just seems to come across as cheap/not well-made. 
>     Any thoughts? 

    You are right, this is a matter of preference and many jewelers would
    agree that only heavy jewelry is well made.  But, for me and many of
    my customers, it is a preference of the weight of the piece.  I don't
    wear heavy jewelry because it annoys me and I end up taking it off,
    but many people (customers) don't think the piece is well made unless
    it is heavy.  Of course, it has to be heavy enough to with stand the
    wear and tear of the piece.  Rings and bracelets should be heavier
    gauge then say a pendant or earring.  I use metals in 24g up to 10g
    depending on the type piece, the design, the weight of stones used
    and the potential (or actual) customer.  

    You last question could start a whole new thread on the merits of
    light or heavy jewelry and I'm looking forward to the comments. 


Nancy
Nancy Bernardine-Widmer
Bernardine Fine Art Jewelry
http://www.bernardine.com
nancy AT bernardine.com

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