[Jewelry making - Article 00030] - Re: [Orchid] Few details about Enamels...

[Elaine Luther]

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>     Firstly: Why is there lead and/or heavy metals in enamels? The
>     closest answer, which is a geuss, that I can come to is that it
>     either lowers the melting temperature, or enhances the colours.
>     But I can't go on that in my thesis. 

    Why not? That's the truth, it makes the colors prettier. 

>     Secondly: Are there any health risks involved in working with
>     leaded/meavy metal containing enamels? 

    Uh? Are you kidding? Yes. Get some MSDS on leaded enamels. You can
    also see brochures about the dangers of lead that are published by
    the US government. They can be found on the website of the housing
    department, whatever it's called. 

>     Lastly: Is it possible to lower the melting point of glass, in
>     order to be used on precious metals? 

    Huh? Perhaps reading up on glass would help you. Try warmglass.com 

    There are books on these topics. Newer enameling books have got to
    mention it. There are at least two books with names like Artists
    Safety Handbook that sound help you. 

    And buy Charles Lewton Brain's book the Jewelry Workshop Safety
    Report. 

Elaine

Elaine Luther
Metalsmith, Certified PMC Instructor
http://www.CreativeTextureTools.com (TM)
Hard to Find Tools for Metal Clay
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