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Your Guide to Jewellery Findings

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Jewellery findings are essential components in jewellery making used to connect pieces together, the building blocks of most jewellery designs, findings are used to link, fasten and secure jewellery pieces together. From clasps to scrolls to ear wires, findings are a must have in any workshop. Findings is the term used to collectively describe the individual components of jewellery making and there are a lot. If you’re new to jewellery making, knowing what findings you need can be a difficult task, which is where we want to help. Here’s our full guide to all of the jewellery findings and what they can be used for… Jump Rings – Jump rings are used to attach two separate components together. Jump rings can be supplied open or closed. Open jump rings can be twisted and attached using snipe nose pliers whilst closed jump rings can be easily attached and used at the ends of bracelets and necklaces. Although primarily used to attach a clasp to a chain, jump rings can also be used to ...
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Everything You Need to Know About Silver Clay

Here is a list of all our content on silver clay, there is a video and article available for each of these, providing you with everything you need to know about silver clay. Introduction to silver clay article – What is silver clay and what you can do with it. Silver clay FAQs article – All your questions answered about silver clay. To watch our silver clay FAQ video on our YouTube channel, click here . How to torch fire silver clay article – Video also available here . How much does silver clay shrink when fired? – article and shorts video . How to make findings with silver clay article – Video available here . Keum-Boo Pendant made from silver clay article and video . How to make moulds for your silver clay article and video . Project X FAQs article and video – Everything you need to know about Project X silver clay. The post Everything You Need to Know About Silver Clay appeared first on The Bench . source https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/learn/everything-you...
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How Much Does Silver Clay Shrink When Fired?

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When making something out of silver clay, it is important to know that your silver clay will shrink when it has been fired. Be sure to know what the shrinkage rate of the specific clay you have as all silver clay shrinkage rates may differ. You will find this information on the back of the packaging. To ensure your silver clay piece turns out how you want it to after it has been fired, you will need to account for this shrinkage within your design. This means lines and indentations will become closer together and holes will become smaller. The reason for this is that when fired, the organic binder is burnt away, leaving behind your solid silver piece. The image below is a pendant made with 6 grams of Project X silver clay which has a shrinkage rate of 22%. You can clearly see the difference between the two pendants, one has been sculpted and dried and the other has been fired. This is another important tip for when you are making your next jewellery project out of silver clay....
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How to Make Moulds for Your Silver Clay

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It is important to create moulds of some of your favourite items or pieces so you can make them using silver clay. In this article, we will talk through how to create moulds and what you will need to do this. This is a very versatile technique and can be used to create some unique shapes out of silver clay. To do this you will need a reusable moulding compound, available on our website. You can either get the silver clay starter kit with it in (1VP 114) or buy it individually (870 300). This can be used to create a mould of your chosen object, enabling you to put silver clay in the mould. It is a great way of making unique items out of silver clay. The first step in creating your mould is to put your mouldable compound in hot water so it becomes really pliable. Once your moulding compound is soft, you are then able to push your object into it, in turn creating a mould of that object. Be sure to do this quickly as the moulding compound will cool and harden very fast. After you hav...
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Project X FAQs

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Getting started with Project X? Here is a selection of FAQs to provide you with all the information you need. Why is my clay dry or hard when I first open the pack? While your clay may appear dry at first glance, it’s simply a part of its design. The unique ‘dryness’ of the clay upon opening the package is a result of the vacuum packing process, which compacts the clay. This innovative process is effortless, either roll the clay or knead it with your fingers before proceeding with your creation. The clay isn’t hard because it has dried but because it has been compacted when vacuum packed. Do I need to use water to activate the clay? Project X metal clay is crafted to transform into a perfectly smooth and workable substance without the need for water. It is a fundamental principle to knead your clay to awaken elasticity of the binder without adding water to fresh clay, which can lead to unwanted stickiness. How can I fire this clay? You can use either a torch or kiln to fir...
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Make Something Magical Out of Your Metal This Christmas

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The festive season is a great time to get creative and make something truly special to gift or sell. Using your own scrap silver can be a way to save money and waste. Jewellers often build up a collection of off cuts of silver sheet and wire and refine or reuse them. Here’s three inspiring ways to re-use scrap silver to make jewellery. Fusing Silver: Fusing silver involves melting and bonding pieces of scrap silver together, resulting in a seamless and organic look. This is done by heating your pieces of silver to a temperature that causes it to melt. When each surface is slightly melted, ensure the pieces flow together, creating a bond. It’s an excellent way to use up those odd silver scraps that have been lying around, not being used. You can create stunning, custom-made Christmas ornaments, pendants or even personalised gift tags. Kit list: Scrap silver pieces Butane torch Soldering board Flux Tweezers Safety goggles Gloves Granulation: Granulation is an ancient je...
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The latest Christmas trends with 3D Printing

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As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share with you the latest trends in Christmas decorations and gifts that you can bring to life with our 3D print and casting services in our precious metals. Including Platinum, Silver and Gold (White, Red or Yellow 9ct/18ct). All designs shown are now available for you to print in our online design library. Lets begin… 1. Ornaments This year, it’s all about intricate and ornate Christmas tree ornaments. Picture delicate snowflakes, charming reindeer, and classic angels, all adorned with intricate filigree patterns. Check out our version of a beautiful ornament inspired by a scene in Home Alone. A lovely set of Turtle Doves representing a forever love and friendship during this special season. Our precious metal alloys, such as silver and gold, are the perfect choice for these designs. They add an extra touch of elegance and sparkle to your tree, making it truly magical. 2. Personalised Keepsake Jewellery Customised jewellery is...
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