[Jewelry making - Article 00327] - Re: [Orchid] Technology & Design

[T R. Hawkinson, Ltd.]

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Dear Suzanne & All,

    After reading all the comments by many of the Orchid Police I always
    hesitate in making any comment. First of all I really hate to be
    criticized when my intent is only to help give others some
    encouragement. Second, I have no time for the so called expert who
    claims an exclusive expertise no one else can come close to. We are
    all striving to survive in this difficult economy, compete against
    $30.00 per week labor and arrive at the end of the day feeling like
    we have accomplished something. 

    Technology is a tool. Let me tell you how I see it. Let me also
    interject how I use specific technology to help me be a better
    jeweler. Now I have lots of toys I consider technological wonders.
    Some stuff I invented and some I've found from others. At this point
    I will mention the two that have help the most. 

    Plastic - I make most of my jewelry models of plastic not wax. It's
    the same process only I can steam out the part. Can't do that to wax.
    What a marvelous material. Who would have thought you could make a
    plastic part with detail down to .002" and have it turn into a piece
    of jewelry? With the dozens if not hundreds of kinds of materials
    available, getting out of the metal mode has been a big change for
    me. I still after transferring the design into precious metal work
    with gold and silver, so my skills have not been compromised. My
    view, opinions and expertise on the other hand have been expanded. 

    Silicone rubber - I really don't think jewelers have embraced this
    material as much as they should. My vulcanizer is now used as a model
    press. I can't think of the last gum rubber mold I made for my
    product line. Silicone is just so much easier to use. You can also
    mold just about anything. Comparing that to a the need for heat
    resistant material for gum mold leaves too many limitations. If you
    combine materials for modeling and molding the possibilities are
    endless. Talk about a creative outlet! 

    I probably could write a book on unique technologies but that's all
    there is for now. In my opinion, I use current technologies because
    they make my jewelry more unique, challenging and interesting to do. 

Best Regards,

Todd Hawkinson
www.trhawkinson.com
www.ajt-online.com
Mpls.Comm & Tech College Jewelry Dept.


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