[Jewelry making - Article 00920] - Re: [Orchid] Making ring of solid mokume gane

[Chris Ploof]

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Hi Helen and Thomas,

    Helen, to clarify, not all of my designs are seamless, many are made
    the traditional way. While we go to great pains to hide our seams,
    they can be seen if hunted for very carefully on classic pattern
    rings. To me, a well made seam is very acceptable. Some others
    believe the ring is poorly made if the union of the two ends is not
    hidden with a round gobbet of some metal. To me, this is an obvious
    attempt a disguising what may be a poorly made seam (but who knows).
    As far as it being OK to hide a seam on an engagement ring, well, I
    see your point, but if it is not expertly executed, then you are not
    putting forth your best work, which is a big mistake. Regardless of
    location, make it beautiful in execution. Why not hide it at the
    setting? 

    Thomas, thanks for clearing that up - I'll say this, then.twice as
    thick is not twice as difficult. Using the method as put forth on
    you tube (I could not find a ring that did not have solder repairs on
    the videos, by the way) is good, but when you make your full scale
    model, it may be exponentially more difficult. 

    Wayne's method is very sound, and works quite well. The
    "buterflying" technique is more difficult. The metal wants to focus
    stresses in the sharp areas, and can easily tear, and the larger the
    piece combined with the more you ask of it (also considering the
    laminated nature of many billets) will all come into play. The metal
    from Reactive is super well bonded (I believe Rio's is from the same
    maker), and would be my choice If I was not making my own. 

    But regardless of the technique, seamless rings are wonderful, but
    not the end all. Excellent work and quality of craft is much more
    important.

Chris Ploof Studio
508.886.6200 EST
www.ChrisPloof.com
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