Jewelry Project FIRST TUCSON PENDANT
5
To match the natural patterns in
the stone, I textured the pendant
with a Fretz hammer. I fi nd it’s easi-
est to texture prior to soldering; just
make sure it’s deep enough to stay
through fi nishing.6-7
Solder the bezel wire to the
back plate. Use medium
solder. I fi nd with larger pieces that
using a tripod with a grate on the
top helps direct heat the best.CLEAN AND SET
8
Once the soldering is done, I
spend time cleaning my metal
to remove any fi re scale that may
appear during soldering. I use a mix
of sandpaper, as well as radial discs
to help clean metal.9-10
Once clean, solder on
the bail. Clean again
to remove additional fi re scale and
prep for the stone. I start with sand-
paper, then move to the 3M radial
discs, and fi nish in the tumbler.11
To set the stone, start with a
bezel pusher to ensure a tight
fi t. Then fi nish with a burnisher to
smooth out the edges and help
shine your setting.ASHLEY LAUWEREINS IS a marketer by day
and a jewelry designer by night. She owns Fifth
Essence Jewelry, a company that creates one-of-a-
kind accessories using metalsmithing, wire working,
and stringing techniques. Follow her on social media
@fi fthessencejewelry.7
10
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8
11
6
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About Tucson
THE TUCSON SHOW GUIDE
WWW.TUCSONSHOWGUIDE.COMSee
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