Rivet the Hinge Pin
Photo 29 To complete the hinge, line up
the hinge knuckles and insert a piece of
16-gauge sterling silver wire. Trim the
wire until there is approximately 1.5 mm
extending from each side of the hinge.
Remove the wire and fi le the ends fl at.
NOTE: After fi ling, there should be
approximately 1 mm of wire extending
beyond the hinge ends.
Photo 30Replace the wire and hold the
hinge perpendicular to a small anvil.
Gently tap the exposed end of the wire
with a riveting hammer to expand that
end. Flip the locket and hammer the
other end. Continue in this manner until
the rivet is secure.One of the challenges to creating a butt hinge is making the knuckles,
which need to be uniform in size and shape.
Fabricate the Wire Closure
Photo 31 Cut a 2-inch length of 22-gauge
sterling silver wire, and use a pair of
pliers to bend the wire in half.
NOTE: For photo clarity and contrast, I
used gold-fi lled wire.29 30
31
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lapidary journal )( Jewelry artist