Orchid Digest for Thursday, May 24, 2012
In Today's Edition: 29 Messages

Chapters:

1. Sponsors and Resources
2. Featured Products
3. Messages - Index
4. Messages - Content
5. Help

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• General Letter Engraving for Watchmakers, Jewelers and Kindred Trades, A Complete Exposition of the Art of Engraving on Metals. by G. F. Whelpley, 1892 ($3.95)
• Precious Stones: Considered in their Scientific and Artistic Relations by A. H. Church, 1899 ($4.95)
• Soldering, Brazing and Welding edited by Bernard E. Jones, 1916 ($3.95)
• Art Metal Work and Jewelry by Louis J. Haas, 1916 ($4.95)
• How to Enamel: Practical Enameling of Jewelry with Hard Enamels by Howard M. Chapin, 1911 ($3.95)
• Electro-Plating (with numerous engravings and diagrams), Paul Hasluck, Editor, 1905 ($4.95)
• The Jewelry Repairer's Handbook by John Keplinger, 1902 ($4.95)
• The Art of Enamelling Upon Metal by Alexander Fisher, 1905 ($4.95)
• Watchmakers' and Jewelers' Practical Receipt Book, 1892 ($3.95)
• The Private Book of Useful Alloys and Memoranda for Goldsmiths, Jewellers by James Collins, 1871 ($3.95)
• Repousse Work for Amateurs by L. L. Haslope ($1.35)
• Educational Metalcraft by P. Wylie Davidson, 1913 ($1.35)
• Metal-Work, Chasing and Repousse for Home Art Workers by Frank G Jackson, 1903 ($1.35)
• Decoration of Metals - Chasing, Repousse and Saw Piercing by John Harrison, 1894 ($1.35)
• Lost Wax Jewelry Making: The Build-up Technique - Complete Edition by Minori Azama, 1999 ($34.95)

If You Sell Gem & Jewelry Tools, Services, Supplies or Accessories,
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• Making the Most of Your Flex-shaft by Karen Christians
• The Jeweler's Bench Book by Charles Lewton-Brain
• Profiting by Design by Marlene Richey
• 101 Bench Tips for Jewelers by Alan Revere,
• Adventures at the Bench: Tricks to Overcome a Jeweler's Daily Challenges by Jurgen Maerz.

1. Kelley Dragon
• Another scam?

1. Beckie
• Flasks overnight burnout cycle

1. "Greg DeMark"
• Formula to raise silver fineness

1. dana stefanoiu
• Hydraulic press tonnage

1. Ben Brauchler
• Lapis rough

1. Faciabela
• Ordering online with Metalliferous

1. "Jamie Winslow"
• Ordering online with Metalliferous

1. "Rita Hopper"
• Ordering online with Metalliferous

1. Gerald Lewy
• Pave setting instruction

1. leonid surpin
• Pave setting instruction

1. Mark Parkinson
• Pave setting instruction

1. Barbara Ettles
• Radiation & Metals

1. Betsy Lurey
• Radiation & Metals

1. Tzvi Mogilevsky
• Reasonably priced carbide blanks and diamond wheels

1. Beckie
• Remelting buttons and sprues

1. "Rita Hopper"
• Should I treat finish turquoise cabs?

1. Lynn
• Which torch and gas?

1. joy
• Which torch and gas?

1. Julie Hazell
• White gold allergy

1. Annika Rutlin
• Wholesale shop swap out procedure

1. "David Geller"
• Wholesale shop swap out procedure

1. Richard Hart
• Wholesale shop swap out procedure

1. "Steve Cowan"
• Wholesale shop swap out procedure

1. Jeffrey Ellis
• [CA] Silversmithing and Chasing Classes

1. Loren Damewood
• [Looking4] Tanks gas refill in Florida area

1. Nel Bringsjord
• [Looking4] Tanks gas refill in Florida area

1. Rose
• [Looking4] Tanks gas refill in Florida area

1. "Greg DeMark"
• [Source] Wax of ladies nugget ring

1. Orchid
• [Welcome] New Members for May 22, 2012

Another scam?
From: Kelley Dragon

Has anyone experienced this before -

    A few hours ago when I was away from my phone, someone called and
    left a message. Caller said "I want something made, I'm looking for a
    jeweler in my area of town... found your website online...please
    call [name] at [phone#] and let's talk about the project." 

    However, the call originated in Iowa and I live in Florida. My
    website promotes my classes and does not solicit custom orders. While
    he gave his name and number, his message was bare of details (make
    what?) and had an outright lie ("my part of town"). 

    What sort of scam is this? Just a disreputable salesman, or
    something worse? 

Some guidance would be appreciated.

best regards,
Kelley Dragon

Flasks overnight burnout cycle
From: Beckie

    I steam dewax my flasks before burnout, but would like to use my
    programmable kiln so I can have them ready to cast the next morning.
    I use an 8 hour burnout, but since I have to put the flasks in a 300
    degree oven after steaming, I will need to extend that time
    overnight. Would it be better to extend the time on the 300 degree
    end, or just keep them at casting temp for a longer period of
    time--or does it matter? Anybody else have a better suggestion? 

Thanks!
Beckie

Formula to raise silver fineness
From: "Greg DeMark"

    Thank you for sharing this information Charles and Gary. Two from
    the many great minds and artists on Orchid. 

Greg DeMark
http://www.gregdemark.com

Hydraulic press tonnage
From: dana stefanoiu

Hello all,

    Is a 20 ton hydraulic press enough for working mokume-gane or do I
    need a more powerful one? 

Thanks for the help,
Dana

Lapis rough
From: Ben Brauchler

>     I'll point out that your link shows AA lapis at best, though it
>     says triple A.

    True enough, just a link someone posted to the "rough for sale" list.
    My lapis is also an entirely different animal, assorted colors and
    small sizes. If you search Etsy, Ebay, or Ebid for Lapis Rough or
    Benzgemz you will see it. I'll stay with mine run for now, plenty of
    high grade if I want to dig for it for the small amount of cutting I
    have time to do. Life is good and it's a blessing to be too busy!

Ordering online with Metalliferous
From: Faciabela

    I don't usually comment, but I have to say that Thunderbird is
    great.... also they have a 500 oz sale a couple of times a year and
    it doesn't matter how much you purchase... just my humble opinion..

Ordering online with Metalliferous
From: "Jamie Winslow"

    I placed my first on line order with Metalliferous on Monday, I have
    visited their store and have ordered over the phone for many years.
    The order was very easy to place and I had a confirmation of all
    costs as well as availability. 16g, 18g and 11g Sterling wire all
    marked as In Stock. I then placed an order with my other supplier and
    was anxiously awaiting delivery of all my supplies. I just got a call
    from Metalliferous that all the silver I ordered is on back order for
    approximately three weeks. Now I am involved with extra shipping
    charges because I must order my silver from another supplier plus my
    customer has to be informed that his necklace will be delayed. When I
    asked Metalliferous if they could help me with the one item left on
    my order and pay the shipping charges, because I now must incur extra
    charges because of them, I got a big fat NO. The shipping cost would
    have been $9.50 to a customer of 9 years.

Ordering online with Metalliferous
From: "Rita Hopper"

    I placed one order with them. It was an online order. I will never
    do it again online or otherwise.. 

Kindest Regards, R

Pave setting instruction
From: Gerald Lewy

    I was just watching the too brief video on pave' setting. I quickly
    saw one style of setting. It looked like this. vOv-vOv-vOv; 

    Remember that under each diamond was a series of "V" cuts. This
    style is named "Cut-Down". That is, instead of "Bright-Cutting" a
    long groove in the along the edge of the metal, the setter literally
    'cuts down' to the edge of the metal. No raised-beads are used! 

    For a bit of history; 

    "Salvidor Dali" made some jewellery and his setter used the very
    same technique. The photograph shown is my interpretation of this
    style of setting..all done by hand using a Flat graver #39..:) 

Gerry!

Pave setting instruction
From: leonid surpin

>     A better example of how this technique is done and what Leonid
>     means, can be seen in next video.
>     http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep7z4i 

    Nice video. Here is another from the same guy, where he is a little
    more open of his technique. 

    http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep7z4j 

    One can clearly see that stones are a bit larger than seats, but
    pressed in without a problem. Also, he rounds his beads only for
    show. Looks easy and it is, after one learns to drill precise holes.
    Technique is very laconic, no extra movements and no unnecessary
    metal. I bet he can do 60 stones in hour, charge 5 bucks per stone,
    and everybody would be glad to pay it. 

Leonid Surpin
www.studioarete.com

Pave setting instruction
From: Mark Parkinson

>     The video is terrible! The worst of all is that the guy, while
>     looking very professorial, has no idea of what pave or even stone
>     setting is.... 

    If stone is held by beads, you doing it wrong! If a book or a video
    tells you that beads are needed to hold the stone, toss it into the
    garbage.Beads are for DECORATION ONLY. This brings us to the subject
    of microscope in setting. If beads are decoration, that what do we
    need microscope for? The answer is that we do not need it. To
    decorate the surface we have to see it, in full. Microscope hinders
    it.... Leonid, I worry that you keep your feelings bottled up inside
    too much, and that you are a little too open minded with your
    opinions. Sometimes it's better to take a stand, right or wrong, and
    just tell us how you really feel. ; ) 

Mark

Radiation & Metals
From: Barbara Ettles

Sharon

    Am I correct in saying that you have thyroid cancer (a recurrence)
    and that you will have implants that are radioactive? My memory is
    fuzzy on this. 

Kind regards
Barbara

Radiation & Metals
From: Betsy Lurey

    What wonderful support this community gives to fellow artists needing
    support while going through cancer treatment. Sharing our experiences
    is so helpful when one is dealing with a serious illness. We should
    be cautious, though, in offering medical advice regarding another's
    radiation treatments. Treatment of thyroid cancer is unlike most
    radiation treatments. Radiation is not delivered by a machine,
    targeting a tumor or organ. The I-131 is a radioactive isotope of
    Iodine that is ingested. Indeed, while active, the patient can and
    will pass this radiation on to objects. John Rasmussen's advice was
    solid. 

Betsy Lurey, RN

Reasonably priced carbide blanks and diamond wheels
From: Tzvi Mogilevsky

    Who can tell me where to get a reasonably priced carbide blanks
    3/32" and a diamond grinding wheel 6" 80 grit (these regular hardware
    stores like home depo dont seem to carry) to make gravers from? Also,
    is there anything to watch out for? 

Remelting buttons and sprues
From: Beckie

    I have the Rio version of the Electromelt (which I love, btw) but
    have a question about reusing sprues and buttons. 

    I'm relatively new to casting, and have been making sure that I use
    a 50/50 mix of old and new metal for each pour. Until now I've always
    cut up the sprues, and have had small buttons, so I did'nt worry
    about putting them in the furnace to reuse. However, I've graduated
    to doing larger flasks, with larger sprues and buttons, and can't
    figure out how to cut them down for melting. Is it necessary to have
    them in small pieces in a furnace? How big of a chunk can I get away
    with? Some of these sprues (bronze) are pretty hefty (50 grams) and
    there is no way for me to saw them thru. 

Any advice is much appreciated! :)

Beckie

Should I treat finish turquoise cabs?
From: "Rita Hopper"

Hello!

    I purchased some turquoise rough from Mexico at a local gem society
    show. It is in small sheet like formations and is the most beautiful
    color blue with pyrite deposits. I have cut and filed an oval and am
    ready to set it. I was wondering if I need to treat the stone with
    some sort of compound to keep it stain free? I have some Renaissance
    micro-crystalline wax polish and am wondering if this will work. If
    so, best way to use the product will be much appreciated. Please
    note I have never attempted this before and do not want to screw it
    up at the eleventh hour. 

Kindest Regards, R

Which torch and gas?
From: Lynn

>     A good regulator is the most overlookedand underestimated tool in
>     the shop. 

    I've been wondering for sometime about my regulator and if it works
    properly or not.I would appreciate hearing from any of you in
    Orchidland that might educate me regarding what my flame shouldn't
    be doing while using my torch. 

    I use an oxy/propane tank system and I have the Uniweld regulators
    that come with the Mecco Midget torch kit from Otto Frei. I've
    returned one set of regulators becauseI detected a leak. It was
    repaired by Uniweld and returned to me. However, I stillon occasion
    see my flame adjusting itself once I think I already have it set to
    the flame I want. I'm aware that drafts can affect my flameso I
    eliminatethe possibility of those while fusing or soldering. 

    I've tried to read everything I can onusing a torch but am baffled
    as to why the flame and gauge will adjust themselves once I have the
    flame set to where I want it to be. I t seems like I'm constantly
    having to re-adjust my torch to maintain the desired balance of
    oxy/propane. 

    I read up on Uniweld and they seem to be very reputable. D o I need
    to look elsewhere for better regulators, or do I simply need to
    learn how to manage my flame better? 

Lynn

Which torch and gas?
From: joy

>     By the way, is there any way the smith little torch will be able
>     to handle a soldering of a big silver item with thick walls?
>     Something like a candlestick (obviously hollow). 

    I suppose if you have a big ole oxy/acteylene welding torch, you can
    use it to heat up the big heavy silver candlesticks. I have two old
    oxy/acetylene welding torches, both from the 50's, that are capable
    of gas-welding quarter-inch to half-inch steel rods. I have used them
    for large non-ferrous metal projects. Generally, oxygen/acetylene
    torches can go up to 6300 degrees, so they are good for thick metal
    projects. My Little Torch can only weld up to 1/8" steel rod easily
    and unless you use a rosebud tip, it's going to be tough to get a
    large bushy flame. I often use two torches to get even heating so if
    you need to use multiple torches, get someone to hold the extra
    torches and get the job done. 

White gold allergy
From: Julie Hazell

Hello

    I am a jewellery retailer but I out source my manufacturing to local
    workshops. I have recently made wedding rings in white gold 18kt with
    rhodium for a client who claims she is allergic to them. The workshop
    ensures me there is no nickel in the alloy and the customer is asking
    if we can put a hypo allergenic coating on them. My question is, is
    there such a coating available and if so what is it and where can I
    get it done. 

Julie Hazell GIA (A.J.P.)

Wholesale shop swap out procedure
From: Annika Rutlin

Hi Alaina,

    I have a policy of swapping pieces if there are a few that are just
    not moving (different designs sell better in different shops) or
    there are just a few of an old collection left. I find that this
    actually moves more product and keeps a good working relationship. I
    do however have some stipulations... I charge 5% of the value of the
    item or ( UKP 5 minimum) handling charge - stock taking and
    recleaning items take time after all. and they have to reorder to the
    value of at least twice as much as is being returned. 

hope this helps
Annika

Annika Rutlin

Wholesale shop swap out procedure
From: "David Geller"

Hi Alaina

    Its typical for "good" vendors to exchange things that don't sell
    after one year. 

    Instead of charging them a fee, many vendors will exchange "what you
    paid for new stuff" BUT............ 

    You have to buy twice as much. 

    They send back $1000, have to buy $2000 

David Geller
www.jewelerprofit.com

Wholesale shop swap out procedure
From: Richard Hart

>     Take the items back but charge them 15% "Restocking fee". That's
>     what I would do, especially if they have had them a while. Other
>     companies get away with it, why shouldn't you? 

    I totally disagree if it is done within a reasonable time frame. I
    think this is a win-win for both parties. Our best relationships with
    people we do business with are with people who do trade out
    merchandise that does not sell in trade for new stock. Some people
    have requirements of a certain amount of new stock and take back a
    percentage of that for trade out. 

    Some people allow total return for trade with no purchase, those are
    long term relationships that we have established as buyers. I mean we
    spent $$$. 

    I have had accounts that I sold inventory to and I allowed trade
    backs. I certainly would not base my business model on a company that
    "gets away with it". Would not want to be them, or be like them. 

    If they were trading back something in gold, and gold had gone up
    quite a bit, and they trade out for what they had bought it for
    wholesale when the price was down, might work in your favor if you
    can resell it to someone else at a higher price. 

Richard Hart G.G.
Denver, Co.

Wholesale shop swap out procedure
From: "Steve Cowan"

    Take the items back but charge them 15% "Restocking fee". That's
    what I would do, especially if they have had them a while. Other
    companies get away with it, why shouldn't you? 

Good luck,
Steve Cowan Arista Designs LLC

[CA] Silversmithing and Chasing Classes
From: Jeffrey Ellis

    I would like to inform everyone that there are classes in
    silversmithing and chasing being held at the Haliburton School of the
    Arts in Ontario Canada. 

    They are one week in length and are open to all levels. It is a
    great way to learn and enjoy the scenic beauty of an Ontario summer
    by a lake. 

    Please contact the school at Haliburton Campus 297 College Drive
    P.O. Box 839 Haliburton, ON CANADA K0M 1S0 

    TEL: (705) 457-1680 ext. 3
    TFN: 1-866-353-6464 ext. 3

    http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep7z4m

Thank you
T Jeffrey Ellis
www.silversmith.ca

[Looking4] Tanks gas refill in Florida area
From: Loren Damewood

Ive,

>     if any of you live in the sarasota, florida area and know of a
>     still-in-business that refills propane, oxygen, and acetylene tanks

    I get my oxygen at Crumpton Welding Supply: 

    http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep7z4n 

    Propane is available at any KOA Kampground. 

Loren
http://www.golden-knots.com

[Looking4] Tanks gas refill in Florida area
From: Nel Bringsjord

Ive,

    I use Airgas in Clearwater. There is one in Sarasota at 6735 33rd
    Street East. 941-751-4847 Call them and see if they have what you
    seek. The one up here in Clearwater has everything! 

Nel

[Looking4] Tanks gas refill in Florida area
From: Rose

    Look up welding shops in the yellow pages or google them for your 
    area.

[Source] Wax of ladies nugget ring
From: "Greg DeMark"

    Don't be ashamed Tom. I also have molds of nugget jewelry from the
    70's and recently I have been getting requests for designs with a
    nugget finish so I have been creating a few new pieces with this
    texture. Designs seem to repeat themselves every 20 to 30 years. 

Greg DeMark
http://www.natureinspiredjewelry.com

[Welcome] New Members for May 22, 2012
From: Orchid

    Orchid Circulation: 13,000 members! 

    Please welcome our newest members... 

    ..................................................... 

    Jennifer Farnes
    Monument, CO. USA

    Master Faceter

    ..................................................... 

    Joanne Kibata
    ClassicSparklers
    Paranaque City, Manila. Philippines

    http://www.classicsparklers.com

    Hi! I am a self-taught jewelry designer for the brand J. Pedreria
    and ClassicSparklers. As a lawyer by profession, jewelry making is
    my form of relaxation where I can express my creativity. The
    ClassicSparklers brand is artisan-crafted handmade jewelry using 14k
    rolled gold and semi-precious gem stones and South Sea shell pearls.
    The designs are mostly inspired by the rococo period, scrolls, and
    filigree. 

    ..................................................... 

    Christie Apperwhite
    El Segundo, CA. USA

    Hello my name is Christie. I am in the process of revamping my
    business. I had originally tried to sell other people's products,
    now I am learning how to make jewelry in hopes of selling my own
    products. I am also in the process of creating a new website and
    company identity. I find this site very informative and helpful. I
    received the Accredited Jewelry Professional certificate from GIA,
    but want to continue my education because I really enjoy designing
    and manufacturing. I would also like to learn how to cut stones from
    the rough. I have some designs in my head but I'm not finding the s
    tones I want to use already cut in the shape that would most
    compliment my design. 

    ..................................................... 

    Vitto Man
    Gem-expert co
    LA, California. USA

    I am a Gemologist and Jewellery Specialist. Exploring and sharing my
    knowledge about jewelry world is my passion! I've been working with
    Tucson gem Shows and extensively involved with traditional and
    online jewellery auctions, pawnbrokers/estate jewelers, wholesaling
    of mineral specimens, and jewellery retail, including unique luxury
    boutiques and fast-paced volume stores. 
    ..................................................... 

    The Ganoksin Project on Facebook - Come Join Your Fellow Jewelers 

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    Come join your fellow jewelers and participate in the largest
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    http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ganoksinfb

    ..................................................... 

The Ganoksin Project on Facebook - Come Join Your Fellow Jewelers

The Ganoksin Project on Facebook is as multi-faceted as the website itself. You'll find the latest Video & Blog updates on the RSS/Blog tab; Orchid Gallery updates under Photos; and under Discussions hot topics from the Orchid Forum.

Come join your fellow jewelers and participate in the largest network of jewelers, gemologists, retailers and more....
Become a Fan!!!!

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