I have to admit, I usually spend time to think and/or sketch a design before I start working a piece. A lot of times, it works out exactly how I imagined it, but a lot of times...well, let's say, things happen. LOL
Just the other day, I made some simple bezel set gemstone post earrings. I didn't want to have a puddle of solder at the base of the posts, so I was being careful not to put too much solder. I was so happy everything worked out just right, and threw the settings in the tumbler to bring a high shine to them. I use the tumbler for 2 reasons: to harden the posts after heating and to see if the solder joins can withstand the forces of tumbling in steel shots. Well, they came out nice and bright, and I went ahead and set the stones. Well, lo and behold, one of the posts snapped off when I did a final test by tugging gently with pliers.
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| Aquamarine Post Earrings |
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| Aquamarine Earring turned into a Pendant |
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| Here are the 2 matching sets of earrings and pendants. |
- Use a little more solder than the snippets I cut
- Test the earring posts thoroughly before setting the stones
- As makers, we have to remain open with our designs and adapt with surprise accidents.
1. Silentgoddess - http://silentgoddess.blogspot.com
2. Gracebourne - http://gracebourne.blogspot.com/
3. 2Roses - http://jewelrytutorial.blogspot.com
4. Inbar Bareket - http://www.inbarbareket.info/blog
5. Anne Walker - http://creativeinclinations.blogspot.com/
6. Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
7. wildflowerdesigns - http://wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com
8. Michele Grady Designs- http://michelegradydesigns.blogspot.com
9. Evelyn Markasky - http://markasky.blogspot.com/
