Ok.....so I do chainmaille and I kinda want to add embellishments and make a bit of progression from 'just chainmaille'. So I bought myself a butane/propane mix weapon, a magnesia block, some number 70 hard solder and a container of flux......now I did do a course a couple of years ago on silversmithing, but we used oxy-acetylene and the teacher was sitting right next to me, telling me to "Now, Now" when she thought I needed to. And it was a flat setting. And everyone did the same thing....

So, getting back to it....I bought some gear. Now, I live by the ocean and we have lots of ship wrecks and along the beach when I'm walking the dogs, I often pick up bits of pottery and sea glass. most of the pottery are shards of plain white, but every now and again, I'll get a nice piece with a blue pattern....this is what inspired me to have a go at a bezel set ring.

I know that the setting isn't perfect and one side is a bit lumpy and the silver doesn't quite go over the stone the way it's supposed to...and when I set a ring, I should really make the ring, then file out a groove so the bezel sits flush on the surface of the ring (I know this NOW!!!! After I made the bezel, then tried to curve the ring!! Hahahahaha, but, I'm learning and I don't really have anyone around who can teach me the proper way to do things)

So anyway, here it is, my first bezel set ring and the second bezel setting I have ever done in my life.

PS Just read what's in next edition of Art Jewelry Mag..........bezel setting..... Hahahahahaha....rings.....hahahahaha

Now that is GORGEOUS! 

That's something I would wear - unpretentious and also beautiful design - very very nice and the bezel is pretty darn good!  This is the thing with some skills, I think the precision skilled tend to be really good with other precision methods which I think bezeling definitely requires!   ... I think your chainmaille experience has paid off on this. 

 Can't tell you how stunning that is both visually and technically!

Hahaha, thanks. I just had to get out of my comfort zone and at least TRY some new things....

Well you've inspired me... I always thought that rings would come last on my list of things to make but it never ocurred to me to make a bypass ring or an adjustable one. Bezels for me a waaaay to much right now but I am going to try a bypass ring I think! Not the one in the pic but something thats more me. OR Maybe an adjustable one ...hmmmm dunno but you've certainly inspired me to at least start making lol  :)

I love this style of ring and I wear one on my pinkie finger with my partner's name stamped into it (my right hand man). I only started making this style (and all of the cold connection stuff I've done), because I was too nervous to get into soldering because I have a little boy and I didn't want him getting hurt with all of the gases and chemicals. Since I started though, I've discovered non-toxic and alternative materials to pickle and oxidise my jewellery (thanks to this magazine) and he's old enough now to stay away from anything else. I still prefer to use cold connections wherever possible, because I think it sometimes requires more thought going into the piece.

Hahahaha, you've got me thinking about enamelling...I've never done it, never seen it done and haven't read anything about it...I should investigate.......

I agree! Cold connecting is really quite interesting - and I think it does impact in a positive way on the design of objects.  I have only just started thinking about cold connecting because in my enamelling class I was shown torch soldering the long hard traditional way :) The issue I have with it is its dangerous, its eco footprint is rather high and its complicated with a lot of guesswork that involves experience which I don't really have. 

I am noticing that there are so many other exciting ways to bevel, connect and prefabricate joins (like pmc layers for enamelling beds) that I want to explore that too!  My next enamel class starts next week and I hope to get a bit more experience with the torch but I have to say - I prefer safer and more flexible ways of doing these things! Plus the finishes you can achieve with PMC joins are something to love :)

Enamelling is very fun and a very 'playfully' creative process - you have lots of room to play as you go.  I've said before that I also find it to be quite a 'zen' like experience too... its somewhat slow but I love wet packing tiny areas, blending colours and seeing the results.  Can't wait! Hey, if you get into it, you can stamp your hubby's name in your rings and fill the letters with enamel :)

I don't know much as I'm not really all that experienced but I have tried a fair few processes so if you want to ask anything let me know! I am sure there are other enamellers here too.  Oh and a word of caution though - my teacher told me not to use the same kiln as one uses for other work like PMC, ceramics etc as the contamination is rife but I do love my fire scale and am not really into clean work right now so I am using my everything kiln :) But if I ever get serious about it - I would buy a new dedicated kiln (oooo! kiln buying ...mmmmmmm)

:)

Hahahaha, don't tempt me, woman! My next major purchase will be a rolling mill!

 Nice!  I did my first bezel recently, but I set it in metal clay.  I've been wearing it and I keep checking ot make sure my cab hasn't fallen out.  LOL. 

I'll show you what my first bezel was like, but don't laugh. I made it for a girlfriend who had the stone (tiger eye) for years and didn't know what to with it. When I told her I was doing a course, she offered me the stone. I admit, we were all supposed to do the same thing, but I was the only one who actually made SOMETHING and finished it, ready to be worn. We also had to learn wire tapering and twisting, which is why the bracelet has a twisted wire finish. So I actually did three lesson's worth in the one project. I still have a pearl that the same girlfriend wanted me to set........hmmmm, better get on to that.

the pieces

the bezel, taped with thstone to check the fit

the assembled piece

 Hey, pretty nice!

Gosh, that is beautiful.  Great job!