[Jewelry making - Article 01120] - Re: [Orchid] Non-jeweler designers at shows

[Jim Reitze]

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    I'd like to put a slightly different spin on this thread in
    particular.  As a person who makes most of his living doing repair
    work, I have seen far too many 'art' clasps come across my bench for
    replacement or repair.  Yes, it is nice to have a clasp that is
    aesthetically in keeping with the rest of the piece, but for goodness
    sakes, do the engineering, too.  I have seen some clasps over the
    years that were truly a work of art by themselves, beautifully
    designed, expertly executed.  Only problem was they were extremely
    difficult to use, or just plain didn't work.  Sometimes some good old
    precision manufacturing is a GOOD thing.  There are so many styles
    of clasps available today that surely we can find something that
    looks and works well with most pieces, if they are truly intended to
    be worn. To those who say we can make our own box clasps, and many
    other styles, you are right.  If I sit down and take the time, I can
    build a clasp.  I end up partially rebuilding many in the course of
    repairs.  But, when it comes to something that only I will know the
    difference on, sometimes I would prefer to buy a suitable
    manufactured finding and put my time, energy and expertise into
    creating a new piece.  While my mindset isn't for everybody, I
    usually prefer to use commercial findings when they are available,
    suitable and expedient.  There are only so many hours in a day, and I
    don't feel like spending all of them making components that I can
    purchase more easily for ordinary pieces.  I prefer to spend those
    hours creating something truly special, something that will be
    noticed.  Maybe I am just in the wrong place (I know I am, actually),
    but most of the people I do work for now wouldn't know the difference
    between a handmade clasp, basket setting, whatever and one that is
    commercially available.  And if they did see the difference, they
    would think I am nuts to do the extra work. 

Just my humble opinion.
Jim
http://www.forrest-design.com

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