Art Jewelry - Making a bezel part 1

[davidvm222892]

FUCK UP AT 42 SEC HAHAHAHAHHA

NEWB!

[vickyfaye4]

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[TPW0025]

Vintage Brooch

cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?­ViewItem&item=170622734239&ssP­ageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500w­t_1156

[JEANNIEinAcamera]

What gauge silver bezel wire did yo use in this video? Thanks for posting these very informative videos!

[artjewelrymag]

@JEANNIEinAcamera Good question! Someone asked that about a year ago, and here was our answer: "I would recommend 28-gauge (0.32 mm) for the bezel wire, and something sturdy like 18-gauge (1.0 mm) or 22-gauge (0.6 mm) for the backing plate."

[weiserwoman]

is that metal pegboards behind you in the beginning? If so, where did you get it?

[artjewelrymag]

@weiserwoman Good question! The pegboard behind me is particle board with a silver-look finish. I got it from Home Depot a few years ago. I think they do sell heavy-duty metal pegboard though. Try searching their website for "Galvanized Steel Metal Pegboard." Good luck!

[Tacocat21]

If it is fine silver, won't it tarnish??

[artjewelrymag]

@Tacocat21 Sure, most metals tarnish slowly over time. A quick buff once in a while with a polishing cloth will keep any dinginess at bay. You can also store your jewelry with tarnish-resistant strips or bags. If you're really worried about tarnish, you can use Argentium silver, or it you have the budget, try gold. :)

[bsjewelryandsupply]

Very informative video thanks for posting

[AntonyZagoritis]

An excellent video for an excellent magazine

[OneArtistHand]

Great video, well put together and explained very well. Thank you

[traseta2]

I tried the tip with the post it note but there is a lot of waste associated with it. I like using scotch tape. I carefully wrap clear tape around the cabochon and mark the point where the ends meet with a sharpie pen. I then unfold the tape and stick it on the bezel wire and cut to the appropriate length. I find this a little easier. Overall, the video is very good. Keep them coming, they really help

[artjewelrymag]

@traseta2 Great tip! I like the post-it note because it has a hard right angle that I can use. (I use ultra-sticky notes.) But I like your tape idea too. That would certainly work well for oddly shaped stones.

[desmogod]

Nice video, but it's solder.

SOLDER SOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL­LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL­LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL­LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD­ER, not fucking Sodder!

[artjewelrymag]

Thanks for the polite correction, Desmogod. And you're right, but here in the States we say "solder" it with a silent L. Since you're in Australia, I'm guessing you and I would pronounce many words differently from each other.

[angelapaula85]

Nice video! Very helpful.. I'll try these at home.. Thanks..

[artjewelrymag]

Thanks. Happy to know you found it helpful.

We'd love to see what you create. Visit the free Reader Forum on our magazine's Web site to post photos of your most recent work. It's a great way to get encouraging feedback. :)

[Lettieheart]

Really interested in having a go at making my own jewellery but dont know where to start. Any advice?

[artjewelrymag]

Classes and workshops are great ways to get started. If there aren't any near you, then some good beginner books, videos, and magazines (like Art Jewelry!) can help you start to figure it out on your own.

If you get stuck, you can visit the free Reader Forum on our magazine's Web site for some great and helpful advice!!

[tlen0117]

did you mention what metal gauges you are using?

[artjewelrymag]

Hmm, I don't think that I did. And it's been just long enough since I made that video that I'm not certain.

But I would recommend 28-gauge (0.32 mm) for the bezel wire, and something sturdy like 18-gauge (1.0 mm) or 22-gauge (0.6 mm) for the backing plate.

[jeet027]

silver 925

[uxtalzon]

Wow, that was easy enough to mimic on my cabochon stone. The post-it note trick was great.

[artjewelrymag]

Glad to hear that my little tip helped!

I used to just use paper, but it would always slip. But a sticky note holds well enough without leaving any residue to clean up later.

[artjewelrymag]

I'd love to see what you've made. You should post some photos of your finished work on our online forums at Art Jewelry magazine's home web site.

[1axvn]

Thats the only good thing I've seen this week, very cool

[utooth]

Never file off the wooden bench block it is inaccurate and wastes energy in filing. Cut all bezels with a sawframe and appropriate blade.

[utooth]

Work out the height of the metal you need first then make a strip of silver longer than needed. Wrap the metal around the stone, cut too long and adjust so it is the correct length to just go around the stone. hard solder. Shape with half round pliers remove any excess solder from inside and make sure the stone fits snugly in the setting. Flatten the bottom of the bezel by using emery paper flat on the bench and rubbing the bezel over it.

Less than ten minutes work

[chillgirlette]

utooth - how do you remove the solder from the inside (I am a total novice and am learning) - do you grind it out with with a grinder tool?

[artjewelrymag]

Chillgirlette - Once you solder the bezel into a ring, you clean up any remaining solder with a small half-round needle file &/or sandpaper wrapped around a dowel rod. A grinder tool could work, but may be too aggressive for the soft bezel wire. (The very best method would be to use the least amount of solder possible so that large amounts of cleanup aren't necessary.) Best of luck!

[utooth]

chillgirlette

the advise given by artjewelrymag is spot on

The only thing I could add is that the cut of the 1/2 round needle file should not be too fine or coarse.. about an "O" is good

Happy experimenting

Utooth