[Jewelry making - Article 00226] - [Orchid] Metal clay soldering experiment

[Carol Wang]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    I'm in the process of making my first jump ring (chain mail/maille)
    bracelet. While I know that a good quality jump ring work would have
    all the rings soldered, I haven't any soldering experience or
    equipment. I also have no metal clay experience or materials, but I
    read all the usual beading & jewelry making magazines and metal clay
    is frequently discussed. So, here's my thought: 

    What if you take, say, metal clay slip, and paint it on the end of
    your silver jump ring before you close it? If, when done, you then
    fired the whole piece in a kiln/hot pot? Assuming the rings don't
    stick together due to sloppy painting and drips, would you
    effectively have a soldered work (probably weaker than real solder,
    but better than no finishing treatment at all)? 

    If this would work, would it work with sterling and/or vermeil or
    only fine silver wire? 

    In my imaginings, this idea would probably be way more expensive
    than traditional soldering, but on the bright side avoid (1) torches
    and (2) pickling because the work isn't heated enought to develop
    firescale issues. 

Carol Wang
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________