Tuesday 17 May 2016

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!

12 comments:

margaret said...

very nice I am a fan of bracelets still got one I had for my 21st and also the charm bracelet but not worn that for years

Christine said...

You are right to be proud of it, it is gorgeous

Christine B said...

Wow this is brilliant Wendy! Love the design! I would wear it all the time too! Christine x

Bethany said...

I love that!!! The 'double ring' feature is my favorite part!

Sharon - creativity and family said...

I really love that Wendy!! The double ring is a lovely happy accident! X

Una said...

Great work. I have the same clasp on one of my favourite bracelets. It made me nervous so I just had to add a safety chain as well. You have reminded me to wear bracelets more often.

Chrissie said...

Lovely bracelet, great when the design is so totally yours xcx

Rachel said...

A happy accident indeed!

Sandra :) said...

Design decision! Awesome lemonade from a lemon (and it wasn't even really a lemon - it was just size-ably unabled :D) :)

Jane said...

there is something so satisfying about finishing something to a high standard

Sarah in Stitches said...

I love this bracelet! Amazing job :D

Christine Altmiller said...

LOVE this!!! It is easy to see why it is your favorite to wear! Love the clasp design...mistakes are sometimes our best work ;-) And thanks for commenting on my blog weeks ago...I have not gotten around to emailing and thanking the lovely commenters yet.