Gin & Tonic with ice and a slice...

3 Hatpins for the Queen. An Association of Contemporary Jewellers, Diamond Jubilee Exhibition work by me.

Seeing the Royal Charter on a famous and long established brand of Gin & Tonic and knowing the Queen’s preference for wearing hats at formal occasions, I imagined she might partake of the festivities arranged in her honour, with a celebratory tipple which includes the traditional “ice and a slice”.

2012 TOUR DETAILS:
Birmingham School of Jewellery, March 12-30.
Goldsmiths Centre, London, June 11-17.
SH Gallery, Edinburgh, July 2-28.
N.Glasgow College, August 27-31.

Figuring out how to make the net for the 'Diamond' and the mount.

 

Marking the slots for the three claws to solder into.

  

Testing the resin, trying to 'float' the diamonds midway. The wax model and silicone mould.

 

Lemons sketched out in the brass, ready for repousse. 2 of the 3 components, part done.

 

From pitch and punches to finished object with fake diamond 'pip'.

To read about the pieces, visit my Flickr photo-stream here.

Thanks for looking!

Carving a Bezel setting in wax. The lost wax process. Resources.

Seeing as I have posted so many tutorials on how to make mounts in this blog through simple construction techniques, I thought you might be interested in the excellent post by one of my EtsyMetal colleages "Nodeform" Jewelry on how to do such a thing in wax, ready for casting. What is interesting about her work is that although much of it is designed on computer demonstrating her technical mastery of modern technology, here we have an example that has been made by hand after the design has been completed with computer software, from the carving stage right through to the casting. Remember that you don't need your own casting facilities, there are plenty of companies out there who will do that part for you, all you have to do is send your carved master.

For a comprehensive set of tutorials on wax carving jewellery using some more of these methods, check out these posted by my EtsyMetal colleague Ann Hartley who has industry experience in this process;

Part 1; http://www.etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/06/carving-wedding-ring-from-wax-part-1_02.html

Part 2; http://www.etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/06/carving-wedding-ring-from-wax-part-2.html

Part 3: http://www.etsymetal.blogspot.com/2010/06/step-3-carving-details.html

For a comprehensive tutorial on lost wax casting in a small workshop set-up, check out this one written by my EtsyMetal colleague Beth Cyr whose specialism is this process;

http://www.etsymetal.blogspot.com/2008/06/were-switching-things-up-bit-this-week.html

Here is an interesting website that outlines the history and different cultural aspects of lost wax casting, if you are interested to know more; 

And here are just some of the companies in the UK who provide lost-wax casting services to jewellers, there are plenty more!

Beechcast 

Niagra Falls Castings 

Weston Beamor 

Euro Cast 

JHF Castings

G & E Allen 

Protowax 

In the past, I've used casting companies to produce the same castings for years without problem, then I'll get a batch through that has mis-aligned seams (from the injection into the mould) or terrible bubbles or spots (problems with metal mixture or temperature) and have had to return them for refund. Don't be afraid to do this, especially if you are also paying for finishing such as the trimming, filing and polishing to a completed state.

Good luck!

Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 2012

Yes that's right, a whole selling fair focused only on Jewellery, Silversmithing, Accessories, Mixed Metals, functional and aesthetic objects, where the makers are present at their stands. The show also includes and exhibition of makers work featured in British Silver Week, so is a visual feast twice over. Click on the banner to visit the website and see the work of the makers below...

RICHMOND, Queen Charlotte Hall. March 2-4 2012. Daily 10am - 5pm.

       

 

 

 

Makers clockwise from top left;  Andrew MacGowan, Daphne Krinos, Fire & Hammers, Gaile Klevan, Ulli Kaiser, Shona Marsh.

For a PDF of the show catalogue, click here. If you don't have Adobe Reader, click on the icon to install it on your computer;

Spring Sale.

I'm having a SPRING SALE in readiness for the new season, so for a short time only I am offering 15% off all items in my Etsy Shop. Just use the coupon code; SPRINGSALE2012 at the shopping checkout. Easy.

Queens Diamond Jubilee Exhibition.

I am really pleased to announce that I have been selected to show work in the Association of Contemporary Jewellers Diamond Jubilee Exhibition, which is a huge honour, as I will be showing with some of the most exciting names in British Contemporary Jewellery.  I can't tell you what the pieces are, as they're just being finished now....I don't want to 'jinx' them, but I have included a few teaser photos below of works in progress....The venues and dates for the exhibition are as follows;

March 12 - 30 Birmingham School of Jewellery.

June 11 - 17 (during London Jewellery Week) Goldsmiths Centre, London.

July 2-28 SH Gallery, Morningside Road, Edinburgh.

August 27 - 31 North Glasgow College, Glasgow.

More news of the exhibition and catalogue of the work will come soon....