Cold Connections for Hinged Tabs
Cold connections are great alternatives to soldering, especially if you want to use fragile or flammable materials in your jewelry designs. Cold connections have many variations, and this project will give you a closer look at hinged tabs and two styles of rivets. In this bracelet, they become more than just a heat-free option -- they are the focus of the design. Half of the bracelets brass panels are riveted flush to the copper links, while alternate brass panels are raised with spaced rivets. For added design interest, the brass panels are embossed using roll-printing. The hinged tab s connect the bracelet links and visually blend with the clasp for a seamless look.
8 Minute Read
Cold connections are great alternatives to soldering, especially if you want to use fragile or flammable materials in your jewelry designs. Cold connections have many variations, and this project will give you a closer look at hinged tabs and two styles of rivets.
In this bracelet, they become more than just a heat-free option - they are the focus of the design. Half of the bracelet's brass panels are riveted flush to the copper links, while alternate brass panels are raised with spaced rivets.
For added design interest, the brass panels are embossed using roll-printing. The hinged tabs connect the bracelet links and visually blend with the clasp for a seamless look.
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Tools & Supplies | |
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Make It With Metal Clay
If you don't have access to a rolling mill, you can substitute textured metal clay triangles for the roll-printed brass triangles.
Lightly oil a sturdy, flexible work surface, and roll enough clay to make a 4 x 1-in. (102 x 25.5mm) rectangle that is 4 playing cards thick. Lay a lightly oiled texture sheet on the metal clay, and roll the clay until it is 2 playing cards thick. Carefully peel the texture sheet away from the clay. With a tissue blade, cut four 1 x 1-in. (25.5mm x25.5mm) squares. Cut the squares in half diagonally to make eight triangles. Let the clay dry. Smooth the edges with needle files, and fire the triangles according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, fit the triangles to the copper links. File, drill, and rivet them together as you would the brass triangles.
Materials:
- 20g of metal clay
- work surface
- acrylic roller
- playing cards
- olive oil
- texture sheet
- tissue blade,
- kiln and kiln shelf
Polish The Copper Links
Take a few extra steps to keep the bracelet's copper bright and shiny. After you finish step 15, sand each link, starting with 220-grit sandpaper and progressing up to 600 grit. Begin polishing the copper links on a buffing wheel, using tripoli. Clean off any tripoli residue with soapy water, and continue to polish the links with rouge until they are bright. Handle the links by the edges to avoid fingerprints. Clean and dry the links.
To maintain this finish, spray two thin, light coats of clear lacquer onto the links from 1 ft. (30cm) above the links in a well-ventilated area. Allow one side to dry completely before coating the other side. This step is optional, but it will prevent the copper from tarnishing.
You assume all responsibility and risk for the use of the safety resources available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC does not assume any liability for the materials, information and opinions provided on, or available through, this web page. No advice or information provided by this website shall create any warranty. Reliance on such advice, information or the content of this web page is solely at your own risk, including without limitation any safety guidelines, resources or precautions, or any other information related to safety that may be available on or through this web page. The International Gem Society LLC disclaims any liability for injury, death or damages resulting from the use thereof.
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