Silver Soldered Filigree Jewelry Part Two
Step by Step process to complete an earring design! For the Best tutorial of all, get a book titled “Silver Threads” by Jeanne Rhodes-Moen. It’s a super book with lots of projects and information. It is a most complete instructional book and the only one I know of for this type of work. It’s available at Amazon.com. After all the work, I tumbled the finished work for about 20 minutes in steel shot to get that beautiful finish. Add pearls to your work after you’re finished tumbling. Tumbling pearls in steel shot destroys them! Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek out Jeanne. She’s been a wonderful mentor to me. I have relocated my on-line radio talk show called The Jewelry Connection. The web address at the end of the video is no longer valid. The new web address is located in the profile information for my channel!
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Mona, you’re not alone with dropping hot metal on a carpet. I did it at my teacher’s studio and I was so embarrassed. Does using a tumbler replace the messy polishing with tripoli and rouge? If it does, I’m definitely going to save money to buy one. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
so helpful! thank you so much!
@megot1388 Hi Meegot1388. FIligree wire is tightly twisted wire that has been run through a rolling mill to flatten it. There is Sterling Silver Filigree available through Riogrande jewelry supply and Victoria Lansford offers some in Fine silver. You can find both of those via Google — I tried that before I suggested it! A rolling mill is very expensive equipment. I don’t have one. I do order filigree from Rio and also from Victoria! Best wishes in your designing efforts!
hi mona…
can you tell me how to make the filigree wire?
thx
@powill you can also refill the micro torch with just normal lighter gas (mixture of buthane and propane, comes in spray type containers) , not lighter fluid.
Brand Name of the torch is Micro Torch. If you are soldering small piece of work this works just fine. Larger projects would require a larger torch. It runs on Butane. I buy the economy size refill at the Pharmacy! Delighted that you are finding this little video helpful!
Dear Mona.. what kind of torch do you use and what kind of gas does it takes? it is very small but practical.. thank you so much you are a very wonderful teacher
The reason filigree wire works best is because it is has a flat surface and the solder has a broader surface to flow to in creating attachments. Filigree wire comes in sterling and fine silver. For a heavier look you could try square wire maybe. Also you could flatten your round wire at your solder joints with a mallet and punch. Lots of ways you can play. Experimentation will teach you many things! Soldering only round to round wire will produce weak construction
I purchase sheet solder from Rio Grande Jewelry Supply and cut it into snippets or tiny palettes. Any standardized Silver Solder will work. I recommend easy solder rather than medium or hard for first attempts. The charcoal block makes a lot of difference in helping to keep fire scale from forming.
Love your video, can you use sterling wire instead of filligree?
What solder do you use? Does the charcoal block make a lot of difference?
Thanks for posting this informative video.
hello there. I am a model maker trying to make this big leap into silver and just wanted to say that i loved this video.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. I am excited to give this a go! Excellent!
Hello Luemoonba! Thank you so much for your nice comment on this video! Delighted to hear that it is some help for you!
Thank you so much. What a giving sperit. I have a new direction for my jewelry making.
So informational! I love this!
Thank you GhostWatching! I’m so glad you found this helpful!
Best,
Mona
The torch is a simple butane powered torch that I got over at Cool Tools. It’s light weight, easy to handle, and will offer lots of torch time with a full cylinder!
Excellent video, Thankyou so much.
what kind of torch are you using? Does the flame burn clean? its soooo tiny but it looks like it works great! I’m used to the prestolite torches that have a huge acetylene tank attached.