Richard Reinhardt’s best-known pieces today are silver bracelets, constructed in concave or convex forms that curve smoothly and logically in a circle. Intermingled with these simple forms are forged, applied wires that gently…
I first discovered Allan Adler’s Silversmithing Shop about 23 years ago when I arrived in Southern California to begin my metalsmithing teaching career at California State University, Long Beach. His shop was located on Sunset Boulevard…
The expressions which have come to identify the pre- and post-World War II generations – Me decade, suburban frontiersmen, spoiled baby boomers, generation gap – are clear if perhaps overly stereotyped images. While encapsulating…
For a jewelry design editor such as myself judging a competition such as the second annual “SNAG Platinum Jewelry Design Competition” sponsored by Johnson Matthey was, in many ways, an extension of the daily quest for good design.…
This year Johnson Matthey Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of platinum group metals, in cooperation with the Society of North American Goldsmiths inaugurated the annual “SNAG Platinum Jewelry Design Competition”…
In the last issue I wrote about safety issues concerning polishing platinum. In this issue we will continue the discussion with notes on Platinum Polishing Procedures and Supplies. The entire process of finishing any material is about first…
My finishing techniques are up close and personal. The majority of my polishing work is done at the same proximity to the work piece as fabrication or stone setting. For me, the majority of my finishing is a bench technique. For many, it seems…
Granulation, a process dating back a lot longer than I can remember, is clearly one of jewelry histories most prominent techniques for artistry and decoration. The traditional technique of granulation consists of fusing or soldering minute…
Jurgen J Maerz of the Platinum Guild International USA outlines factors to consider when adding platinum to your line of manufactured jewelry. Technical education is the key successfully manufacturing platinum jewelry. Platinum is often…
This article offers instructions on how to resize platinum rings whether for a size smaller or bigger, as well as, repair bench tips and tricks. Rings are among the platinum items that jewelers most frequently receive for repair. To make a platinum…
Platinum is a very durable metal, so prongs will last a long time. However, it is sometimes necessary to re-tip prongs even on a Platinum ring. By definition, re-tipping platinum prongs imply that the stone remains in the setting during the…
This project is dedicated to bench tricks that make working with platinum-or working at the bench in general-easier. This is the first installment of a periodic Platinum Bench series.
My skills as an artist combined with my years of experience at the bench have given me a practical approach to jewelry. While I want to achieve a bold, sculptural look, my jewelry has an appeal because it is also wearable and enduring. I often design…
There is a major difference between durability and scratch resistance. Platinum is very durable. When scratched, the scratch actually displaces the metal, leaving ridges on the edges of the scratch. This is where durability comes in. Whereas…
This paper is aimed mainly at the small- to medium-sized jewelry manufacturing operations interested in working with platinum group metals. Preparing the melt, the melting process, forging, rolling and finally some manufacturing techniques…
What does it take to be successful at repairing, customizing, and servicing platinum jewelry? First, an understanding of properties unique to platinum. When platinum is mined, it is usually found with one or more of its five sister metals,…
This project will teach welding, soldering and forging techniques. The ring is a handsome, plain design and can be applied to many applications. To make this ring, you will need.
It is also vital to know the basic forms of semi-fabricated Platinum product that are generally available and how to best use them in completing a jewelry project. This article addresses three forms of semi-fabricated platinum product: sheet,…
To demonstrate how pulse-arc welding performs on sterling silver, this bracelet was cast, finished and assembled without the use of a torch. The six links immediately adjacent to the clasp on the bracelet are made with a common sterling silver…
Joining is a very important production technique in the field of jewelry production. Therefore it is useful to know, what kinds of different joining techniques are possible. This paper will give you a rough overlook on joining techniques…
It is becoming common practice to do more and more platinum fabrication with a laser welder. For this project, you need about a foot of 0.25 mm hard platinum wire. You can purchase hard wire from a metal supplier, or draw it down from a larger size…
Using Matrix software to create a channel type wedding band with lettering…
Short video showing examples of what can be achieved, repairing jewellery items with a manual laser welder – the StarWeld Performance from Rofin.
The Platinum Expret – Part 4: This video is designed to bring you practical tips and information on platinum repairs techniques to help you in becoming the platinum expert. It shows a variety of platinum repairs procedures which might…
This video offers insight into the platinum casting process through five Platinum casting examples: two torch based casting and three induction casting examples. Whether you are working in large scale production or in a small shop, we’re…
Episode II covers the following topics: 1. Primary Platinum alloys 2. Basic skills: Basic Platinum soldering and welding 3. Intermediate skills: Fabricating a platinum wire basket. and setting for a pear shape stone. 4. Advanced skills:…
One fine day at Fine Gold in Ontario, CA, Daniel Ballard (PMWest) and Jurgen Maerz (Dir technical education- Platinum Guild) were doing some test castings at Fine Gold. They were both doing “high speed” three hour wax to cast work.…
One fine day at Fine Gold in Ontario, CA, Daniel Ballard (PMWest) and Jurgen Maerz (Dir technical education- Platinum Guild) were doing some test castings at Fine Gold. They were both doing “high speed” three hour wax to cast work.…
Filmed at Kraftwerks from PM West, Robert Lumabao demonstrates a unique system of flask-less platinum casting. Narrator Daniel Ballard, takes you step by step through the entire process. If you had any desire or questions on a successful…
Filmed at Kraftwerks from PM West, Robert Lumabao demonstrates how one refiner makes beautiful and reliable platinum casting grain. By utilizing hydrogen, a spectacular light show of molten platinum is carefully blended with pure ruthenium.…
Introduction to platinum, setting your platinum bench and the basics of working with platinum. By Platinum Guild International.
Jurgen J. Maerz, Director of Technical Education. Platinum Guild International introduces the Platinum Expert Video Series.