[Jewelry making - Article 00453] - Re: [Orchid] Mokume gane thickness for domes

[RMS]

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    The thickness requirements for your domes can vary greatly. How large
    a diameter, how high a dome, what type of object, and location? The
    simplest answer would be to ask yourself the same question of
    sterling silver. What thickness would you use in sterling? Forming
    simple dome shapes would not significantly work harden the metals and
    soldering would re-anneal. So, they should be consider annealed.
    That would be fine in 24g for a pendant or earring. Something in a
    belt buckle or ring would require a heavier gauge. 

    You mention rings. It you are thinking of sterling copper
    mokume-gane then you should think again. Mokume-gane containing high
    content copper alloys is not recommended for rings. Skin contact is
    high. The potential for skin reactions is high. We do not recommend
    the use of copper, shakudo or shibuichi in ring fabrications. That
    leads you to the all precious metal combinations, a cost factor that
    may have you rethinking your designs and market. 

    Baldwin,s Patina turns copper a very nice warm brown. Like an old
    penny. It does not affect sterling or gold alloys. The acid
    components secreted by skin in close contact with the patina will
    eat through it. Then nature will take it course. This patinas does
    not act as a seal from the environment. It is indeed possible for
    these acids to eat the copper out of the laminate completely. We have
    seen it happen. 

    I am afraid it is back to the drawing board. 

    Bill 

    PS Sorry I didn't answer sooner. Often it is most interesting to
    hang back and watch where a thread goes. B 

Bill, Deborah & Michele
Reactive Metals Studio, Inc
928-634-3434, 800-876-3434, 928-634-6734fx
http://www.reactivemetals.com
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