In this Step by Step Tutorial you will be shown:
- - Making individual 4-prong collets
- - Linking collets into strips
- - How to use jigs
- - Making three stone cluster to complete earrings in the image
- This tutorial can be made in a standard smithing workshop. You will need:
- - Metal : silver or gold or other
- - Round gemstones
This Jewelry Tutorial will demonstrate how to make linked 4-prong collets with movement to allow for curvature. These collets, also known as 4-prong strip setting, are used in making tennis bracelets, colliers and drop earrings.
The name "tennis bracelet" came about after an incident at the 1987 U.S. Tennis Championships involving tennis champion Chris Evert. Chris was wearing an in-line diamond bracelet and while playing one of her matches, and the clasp broke. Her diamond bracelet slipped off her wrist. She requested that the match be suspended until she found her bracelet. Her request was granted, and because of this incident, the bracelet became known as a diamond tennis bracelet.
A well made tennis bracelet is stunning. It is labour intensive. Machined collets can be purchased although size options are limited. It will serve the goldsmith well, to have experience in making these tennis bracelet collets especially when you're dealing with odd diamond sizes not covered by the suppliers or with graduating sizes.
This Jewelry Tutorial will also cover using a steel jig for making collets. In addition you will be taught how to make the top section, a 3-stone cluster of the earring shown in the above picture. The earrings are clip on. Making these are covered in the jewelry tutorial Ear Clip Mechanism.
The tennis bracelet collets, which you have made, can be used in a tennis bracelets, tennis collier or drop diamond earrings like the above samples.
