One of my quests for the new year was to try my hand at silversmithing!
To me, it feels like the perfect blend of science (learning about heat and soldering), art (for obvious reasons!), and self-expression (I love to wear a fun combination of jewelry every day). I signed up for a ring making workshop here in Tampa Bay in January— showing up at the door a little bit nervous but very excited to get my hands dirty and start manipulating some metal.
In an attempt to document this exciting time, below are a few process photos:
The very beginning! Stone and bezel have been chosen (narrowing that down was the hardest part). We also have a sheet of silver that will turn into the ring backing, some putty to help hold things in place, and a strip of metal (not pictured) to make up the band.
Bezel soldered onto the silver sheet then trimmed with a pair of very strong scissors. The discoloration from heat during soldering is normal!
Adding the band to a freshly trimmed and filed setting! The little metal rod at the junction site is the solder. When heated, it will bond the two pieces of metal together!
The (almost) finished product! Next step is to gently (but forcibly) make sure the bezel is securing the stone. We don't want any gaps along the outside edges of the stone!
And viola! The ring after a good polish and a trip to the neighborhood cafe!
