Silver bracelet

I finally finished another piece in silversmithing class.  I actually finished it a couple of weeks ago but keep forgetting to take photos as it's usually on my wrist rather than in a "to photograph" pile.

The task was to make a silver bracelet using links of soldered wire.  I chose to use a 1.5mm square wire, never one to make things easy on myself, I chose a wire that likes to twist itself round whilst you're trying to solder it!

I made 6 large links - they're about 1", then a slightly smaller link to use as a clasp.  I made some small links which are just over 1/4" to link them together.  I spent a LOT of time filing, sanding and polishing these links so the solder joint is completely invisible.

I made the toggle clasp using a piece of the wire which I hammered to get a lovely texture, I then soldered a little half-circle to the back which I could use to attach it to the bracelet with the jump rings I'd made.  When I put it all together, it was too big.  I was going to discard the link I'd made for the clasp but was worried the toggle would fall out of the larger link, so I experimented with putting the two inside each other and a design was born!

I am incredibly proud of this bracelet.  It took me many hours to make (mostly sanding!) and I love the accidental design.  It's barely been off my wrist and I was no opportunity to shove it in someone's face and say "I made this"!  Next up in silversmithing is a bezel-set cabochon ring.  No idea what that is?  You'll find out...  Just give me a few more weeks to do some serious sanding!