Year of Jewellery wk 1 - hammered bangle

This came about as a result of a challenge on the Jewelry Artist Network forum. The idea was to make something with a maximum of 12" of 10g wire. We could use solder and a small amount of other wire for findings - clasp, earwires, whathaveyou - but otherwise the piece had to be made of the 10g wire. No stones, no wrapping, no other adormnents.

I didn't start it with a plan but just went with the flow. First I flattened the ends, drilled and riveted them together, and then realized my bangle was very blah. So I hammered a bunch more to put the curves in. Didn't like the hammer marks so I did some filing, sanding, and polishing to remove them.

Don't like this much but it was a fun exercise.

1000 Jewelry Details

Exciting news! I just found out that my Caged Bangles have been chosen to be included in the upcoming book 1000 Jewelry Details. It will be a new picture in the book, but here is one I submitted for consideration. I know I've posted this before, but I'm thrilled and want to show a picture anyway!

YOJ week fourteen

I used memory wire as the core of this caged bangle. The additional strength of the steel is the main reason for the choice, but it is also more economical than silver. I found that the wraps all go the same way, which surprised me, and while I chose to continue that way I think I like it better when they spiral in both directions, so I guess I'll have to figure out a way to do that next.

This next photo is of several of my Caged bangles in a stack. I think they look fabulous that way, although it would be rather heavy on the wrist to actually wear them like this. Still - might be worth the effect to do so sometime!

YOJ week thirteen

A claspless caged charoite bangle, with a single Thai silver bead. As always, the caging wires are sterling. The centre wire is also sterling, although I am planning to try memory wire next. I bought some, so now I just have to figure out how to joint he two ends invisibly. I am hoping the memory wire works, because it will decrease the cost and should increase strength, and because it won't be visible it shouldn't make an aesthetic difference.

2007 YOJ week one

My first submission to the new and improved Year of Jewelry was not particularly a success. I got sloppy with this one, and I'm going to have to do something to fix it, but for now it is staying as is until I've reviewed my options.

Amazonite, sterling, and one spiffy twisted cage Thai silver bead. I made the S-clasp along with both soldered rings (soldering is still new enough that I'm pleased with that).