Jewelry Making

DIY Jewelry, Beads And Patterns

Your opinion please!

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engagement ring with garnet settingWeddings and rings are bound together in our culture. With my own wedding coming up quickly, I’ve given a lot of thought to jewelry and its value lately. Some jewelry is precious simply because of the sentimental attachment we have to it. From macaroni necklaces presented proudly by your three-year old niece to antique pieces made of cheap metal and glass “stones,” these pieces are precious for the thought put into making them or because they were once owned and worn often by your grandma.

Fine jewelry that has inherent value from its component materials such as precious metals and precious stones obviously has more monetary value. The rarity of these resources make them precious and somehow more desirable. I think engagement rings are the perfect example of jewelry that is precious both sentimentally and monetarily.

Do you think the monetary value of a piece makes it more precious or simply more desirable as a status symbol? For my own engagement ring, I selected a garnet as the central stone. Garnets are my birthstone and I love the color red. For both these reasons, a garnet had more sentimental value to me than a diamond. Diamonds are beautiful but are they truly worth all the mystique we attribute to them? My intended is from South Africa, one of the world’s largest producers of exquisite diamonds; I am from Arkansas, the Diamond state. It seems to me the value of diamonds and their dominance as THE stone for engagement rings is rather arbitrary. What is your opinion on the value of jewelry and diamonds? Does a more expensive price automatically mean a more precious piece? Do you believe a diamond is forever as the ad says and think it the best symbol of love? What do you think?

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Comments

  1. I played no part in picking out my engagement ring. My husband did it completely on his own (I didn’t even know he was planning to ask me to marry him.) It was always more important to me for him to find something that he liked and felt that I would love too. I wouldn’t have it any other way. :0) Oh, and congratulations!

  4. I agree, except for insurance purposes, the “value” is all in the sentiment. Thank you for the well wishes. I like the way you think, Lori Ann! Our furry friends need all the love and support they can get 🙂

  6. I agree. Feeling the band around my finger reminds me of feeling safe in his arms and I envision beautiful brown eyes asking me to be his always. The beautiful ring is just icing on the cake.

  8. I’m very practical, too. I think you’ve made a very good choice in husbands! I love that he got a good deal on a beautiful ring you love and I also like that your ring is eco-friendly.

  9. The eternal ring symbolizing love, faith in the commitment from another person and the promise to keep the bond alive every day has always been my measure of worth in a gift beyond a price tag.
    Your care and guarding of your ring will make it more precious as each act of love and kindness adds to the glow you captured in the photo. You captured the essence in the photo sought after by so many photographers.
    I have jewels, baubles and odd whimsical creations I can’t keep up with but the most valuable ones shine brightest when they smile.

  10. I wanted to use an amethyst and diamond ring that my grandmother gave me for my wedding ring because it has a lot of sentimental value to me. I don’t wear much jewelry because I tend to lose it, so to me the meaning behind a ring or gemstone is what matters. They’re all just rocks {albeit beautiful ones!} when it comes down to it, so any monetary value assigned to them is somewhat arbitrary. I say where what makes you happy!

  11. I don’t think something has to be expensive to be precious or valuable.
    My birthstone is diamond and I’ve always wanted a diamond wedding ring with smaller sapphire stones on either side of the diamond.
    Or maybe emerald…
    lol I’d never be able to decide.
    Very pretty ring, btw!

Have you read?

Soldering Tips For Jewelry Making

In the dimly lit corner of my small jewelry studio, the silver soldering torch hisses to life. The familiar scent of metal and flux fills the air. As a jewelry maker, I’ve always found a certain magic in the process of soldering. It’s the moment when separate pieces of metal, like puzzle pieces, come together to create a beautiful whole. Over the years, I’ve gathered my fair share of tips and tricks that have made this art form more of a delight than a chore. Here, I’ll share some of those secrets to help you master the art of soldering in your jewelry making journey.

1. Set the Stage for Success
Before diving into soldering, ensure that your workspace is well-organized and clutter-free. You need a clear and clean surface to focus on your work. Make sure you have all your tools and materials within easy reach. An organized workspace not only boosts efficiency but also minimizes the chances of accidents.

2. Fire Up the Torch with Confidence
The torch is often the heart of soldering, and it can be intimidating for beginners. When I was starting, I remember feeling nervous about lighting the torch. But here’s a tip: practice lighting and adjusting the flame without your jewelry piece. Get comfortable with the torch, and you’ll gain more control.

3. Understand the Three S’s: Surface, Solder, and Sweat
Surface preparation is key. Clean the metal surfaces you plan to solder meticulously. Use a brush or abrasive paper to remove any oxides or contaminants. Then, apply flux. It’s like a magical potion that prevents oxidation and helps the solder flow.

The solder itself comes in various forms: sheets, wire, and paste. Choose the type that suits your project best. For small, delicate joints, I prefer solder wire, as it’s easier to position accurately.

As for the ‘sweat,’ it’s the term for the moment when the metal reaches the right temperature, and the solder flows like liquid silver. It’s crucial to wait for this moment, rather than forcing the solder to melt. This requires patience and practice.

4. Master the Art of Heat Control
Controlling the heat is a skill that comes with time. It’s essential to understand that different parts of your jewelry piece may require varying levels of heat. Larger pieces need more heat, while smaller or delicate areas need a gentle touch. Don’t rush this process; take your time to heat evenly.

5. Use Third-Hand Tools and Binding Wire
These trusty sidekicks are indispensable for securing your jewelry pieces during soldering. The third-hand tool can hold your workpiece in place, leaving your hands free to manipulate the torch and solder. Binding wire is your invisible assistant, helping to align and support delicate elements during soldering.

6. Post-Soldering Care
Once your soldering is complete, it’s crucial to quench your jewelry piece in a pickling solution. This removes any remaining flux and oxides, leaving you with a clean, shiny piece. After pickling, give your creation a good scrub with a brass brush for that extra shine.

7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any art, soldering takes time to master. It’s not uncommon to experience frustration in the beginning, but remember that practice is your best friend. Take on small projects, perfect your technique, and gradually work your way up to more complex designs.

Soldering is more than just a technical skill; it’s an art form that bridges the gap between separate elements and transforms them into a unified whole. My journey as a jewelry maker has been a series of sparks, flames, and, yes, occasional mishaps, but each experience has added to my skill and passion.

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