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Dear metalsmith friends,


I'm one hundred percent for learning a general range of skills. That is why I always promote doing your own setting. Admittedly, it is a process tackled in steps, but like with everything as you learn more you get more confident.

Engraving is another handy skill. It creates interest and frames a jewelry piece. I like to use engraving on the back of pendants. Start small and practice often.

Metalsmith Newsletter - Engraving - Larimar Pendant
                                                                   I line engraved the prongs to resemble foliage in this 18k Larimar pendant and the back is textured.

This is a quote from the technical handbook, I used extensively as an apprentice called Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untracht
“Engraving – Forward-pressure linear metal removal”
“In general, engraving can be described as the art of carving or cutting incisions into any material less hard than the tool used to make them.”

Start by practicing basic strokes on scrap pieces of metal. The goal is to get the feel of the tool and learn how to control the depth and precision of the lines. Start with milgrain detail and wriggle engraving. As you improve work on more intricate designs like patterns and flourishes.

Listed in the handbook are various graver shapes. Click to enlarge the picture.

                                                                   Credit: Jewelry Concepts and Technology by Oppi Untracht

The concept of an illusion collet.

The reflections of the surrounding metal create an illusion of one large stone in an illusion setting.
A “crishy” effect made by wriggle walking a flat engraver, creates a reflective surface to simulate sparkling facets on a gemstone.

RECOMMENDED TUTORIALS



Illusion Setting Collet Ring Making

The purpose of an illusion collet is to make a small stone appear bigger than it is when it is set in the ring.

Illusion Setting Collet Ring Tutorial - US$23

Victorian Cluster Ring Making

Milgrain engraving creates an antique feel in this Victorian eight sided cluster basket ring.

Victorian Cluster Ring Making - $30

Baby Signet Ring

This Baby Signet Ring is made with only one solder joint framed with wriggle walk engraving and crishy texture.

Baby Signet Ring Tutorial - US$18

TOOL TIPS


I recommend an Edenta CeraGloss Fine Yellow Wheel to get the best high polish on the flat engraver. This polishing wheel is a worthwhile investment and last a very long time.
It is available from your local jewelry tool supplier or from a dental tools supplier.

These are links to a few suppliers (no affiliation).

USA

https://www.ottofrei.com/products/jura-swiss-ceragloss-yellow-fine-diamond-polishing-wheel?srsltid=AfmBOoo3eqAMJQ7cDUa-V2eNUJ5nrr-EpoY31Tw5bW0bXUfZ989BE-I3

EU

https://www.improdent.be/nl/edenta-ceragloss-yellow-1-pc-30001hp?srsltid=AfmBOoorQS-Ux4fPZ5wet6z5x9B6xOqdZD5b_KOImsC3bVwwZzETq-zM

UK

https://www.armitagetools.co.uk/products/edenta-ceragloss-wheel-yellow?srsltid=AfmBOooZSN_Hz0zXuG8GO12FTqIjIht4MoGyCdcJork1E15Mpgdb5T7E

VIDEO


This is a video clip to show the wriggle walking engraving technique.

I also made a video on how to create textures on metal using a hanging motor.


The best thing to become proficient is to practice, practice and then practice some more.

Kindest regards,
Hans

Previous Metalsmith Newsletter Editions

- Create
- Watches
- Unique Collets
- Ancient Jewelry
- Sand Casting
- Classics
- Diamonds
- Squares
- Leaves
- Projects
- Cabochons
- Bells
- Titanium Jewelrs Saws Frame
- Shapes and Saws
- Ornamental Boxes
- Gold- Fused Gold Technique
- Clasps - Spring Clasps
- Pavé - Gemstone Setting
- Marquise - In jewelry designs
- Collets - Elegant tapered collets
- Earrings - A top gift request
- Rivets - Covering jewelry making with rivets and the Rivet Maker Tool
- Geometric Designs - Making jewelry with geometric designs
- Setting - Gemstone setting tools and methods
- Pearls - More about pearls and pearl cup making
- Video Tutorial - Making Art Ring
- Drill-Str8 - The portable mini drill press on the jewelers bench
- Jewelry Design - The ins and outs of designing jewelry
- Workbench - Efficient work flow and optimum tool arrangements in jewelers workshop
- Antique - Inspiration from antique designs, plique-à-jour enameling and workshop wisdom.
- Circles - Design jewelry with circle motif such as decorative circle collet
- Nature - Flower, Owl, Dragonfly Brooches and Insect Casting
- Gems - Gem Carving and Making Halo Ring Tutorial
- Wallace Chan Exhibition and the making of a Celtic Style Ring
- Masonic Unfurling Ball Pendant and "Ring in a Ring" jewelry tutorial