Well, here is the ring for RAW week 7.
I haven't attempted anything new metalsmithing wise in awhile. I must say that it is always a learning experience trying something new, and sometimes it is successful, and sometimes not.
I always like to start with the good.
1) This is a GORGEOUS marquis cut Labradorite, with a stunning blue flash that fades to turquoise on the bottom end.
2) I have been wanting to make silver flowers for awhile now, and I love how these turned out. They are a keeper for sure.
Now for the not so good.
1) This is a really thick cab. Too thick for me to use the fine silver bezel wire I have on hand. So, I made the bezel out of 26g sterling sheet because that is what I had on hand.
Well, live and learn, and I won't bore you with specifics, but I don't like it. The stone is a little loose. It has a bit of a rattle. I just don't like it. I should have used fine silver sheet, and made the bezel walls a smidge higher. So now I know that.
2) I hadn't ever used any embellishment sort of half on the bezel and half on the shank. I was a little worried about the soldering there, but really it came out ok. So now I know that.
3) I'm not sure about the overall design. Something isn't quite right. So, as a consequence, I'm going to wear it around for awhile before I deconstruct it and start over.
That's always what I do, wear it and if I like it, it's a keeper, if not, chuck it and start over. The cab is gorgeous by the way, and when you figure out how you want it, it'll be beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt's always frustrating when you're working with expensive materials and you just don't like what you've done. But, as much as I hate it, each new piece is a learning experience, like you've said, and as annoying as it is to rip it up and start over, it's usually well worth it!
ReplyDeleteLoving the blog too;)
I think it is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI hate when the bezel doesn't fit right and the stone rattles a bit. It is understandable why that would bug you.
I think overall it is fab!
Thanks for the encouragement ladies! I'll give it another go when the fine silver gets here! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the ring and that stone is to die for. One of the big name lapidaries on Etsy suggested that it was more than ok to use a bit of epoxy for security. Seems such a shame to de-construct the whole ring.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks spectacular from the side and the top but I know about the rattle - it's happened to me too. I've actually taken a very small planishing hammer or a rawhide hammer and gently hammered the top of the bezel so it gets closer and smoother to the stone. Mine never fell out. Whatever you do, it is a nice piece and I'm sure you learned some things from making it.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you on your blog Amy!
Thank you both for the suggestions. I considered the epoxy, wish I had put some in there before I popped the stone in....oh well...
ReplyDeleteI think I may try the hammering. I haven't taken it apart yet. So as of now it is free game for experimentation!