[Jewelry making - Article 00285] - Re: [Orchid] Need Lots of Advise

[Jay Whaley]

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Hey Dale,

    I too, felt intimidated by all the technical expertise on this
    Orchid forum, but everyone has something to contribute, no matter
    what your experience level. 

    Regarding alloying your own metal, I wholeheartedly endorse the
    idea. I do it all the time in my studio, and teach my students to do
    the same. It is not rocket science, by any means, if you have a
    calculator and an accurate scale. If you have a supply of pure silver
    and 24K gold, and assorted alloys, you can make as much (or as
    little) of a specific amount of any carat and color of gold, or
    sterling silver, with which to cast or fabricate. Lots of advantages. 

    What you will need to consider is the type of alloys you use.
    Basically, there are 2 types of alloy. One is for casting, but
    generally, in my experience, it doesn't roll or draw well. The
    "rolling" alloy is designed for rolling and drawing, and it casts
    well, too. So I only buy the rolling alloy, so I can do everything
    with it. If you are determined to just buy the casting grain, I would
    check to make sure it is an easy working alloy, if you do decide to
    pour an ingot and make your own wire, as an example. I once cast a
    ring in a gold "casting" alloy, and the metal was so tough, my stone
    setter couldn't raise beads in the metal to set diamonds... 

---Jay Whaley UCSD Craft Center

 
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