[Jewelry making - Article 00817] - Re: [Orchid] Making a bale?

[Richard Davies]

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Gail-

    There are many possible designs for a simple bail using wire or
    sheet. Since you intend to use sheet, an easy way that I use all the
    time when I need a custom made bail is to cut a piece of heavy paper
    or card stock in the shape and size needed for the job, then test it
    by bending it (without creasing it) into shape to be sure that it
    has the opening size you want for the pearl strands (or strand) you
    plan to use, while also being tapered small enough to fit through the
    hanging eye on the pendant (for a moveable bail). When you decide it
    is the correct size use the paper pattern to mark the sheet for
    sawing. You also have to decide whether you are going to solder the
    bail closed, or use a bypass on the back for taking the pendant off
    the necklace strand. That just makes a difference on how you shape
    the pattern at the point where the ends join in the back. Using
    paper makes trials of various sizes and shapes relatively quick and
    easy before committing the design to metal. 

    If your pendant design calls for a fixed bail, then you have more
    flexibility in the shape of the bail, since it will not have to fit
    through an eye on the pendant. In this case you will just bring the
    ends together at the point where you solder the bail on to the top
    of the pendant, and both front and back of the bail will be identical
    in shape. 

Good Luck!
Dick Davies
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