[Jewelry making - Article 01411] - Re: [Orchid] Pearl Glue Advice

[david lee jeweler]

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

Stacy,

    There are many opinions on the best glue for pearls, and most views
    have their valid points. The most important thing to consider is the
    post and the hole in the pearl. Most failures we have seen have been
    due to improper posting and/or fitting than the type of glue used.
    Proper fit is imperative. The pearl must seat down into the cup
    completely, and the fit must be tight prior to gluing. Here are the
    guidelines I use for pearl posts. 

    First you must choose the proper wire gauge for your post. The
    larger the pearl, the heavier gauge wire you should use to secure it.
    You can get more leverage on a larger pearl, and if the post bends,
    it gets, essentially, pried out of the hole. 

    For pearls up to 3mm, use 20 gauge wire
    up to 7mm, use 18 gauge wire
    up to 10mm, use 14 gauge
    over that I use 12 gauge.

    As for the length of the pearl post, I recommend no less than half
    the diameter of the pearl. I generally drill between half and three
    quarters the diameter of the pearl. Most pearls will have to be
    adjusted somewhat, as many are drilled very shallowly or with a too
    small diameter hole. 

    Lastly, the post must be textured to give the glue something to hold
    onto. This way, the glue fills the spaces created between the
    texture of the post and the irregularities of the pearl hole. I knurl
    the post with my side cutter, creating a cross hatch pattern up and
    down all sides of the post. 

    Ideally, you would use a wire material other than sterling, due to
    its tendency to bend easily and then fatigue. I usually use white
    gold, even in a yellow gold piece, because it is stiffer and therefor
    more suitable. 

    As for the specific type of glue, either cyanoacrylic (super glue)
    or epoxy will work. 

    If you go to the archives and type in the words "glue pearl", you
    will find extensive discussions on this topic. 

Sincerely,

David E. Lee
david lee jeweler
Mason City, Iowa
http://www.davidleejeweler.com
____________________________________________________________________
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
____________________________________________________________________