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ORGING IS AN INTEGRAL

part of being a metalsmith.

By hammering you’re able

to turn straight or fl at metal into

diff erent forms and add shape and

depth. In this project, you’ll get

a small taste of Old World silver-

smithing.

FORM THE PARTS

1

Step one is to cut your wire to

size. You are not restricted to

these lengths. You may use longer

or shorter lengths and diff erent

gauges of silver as well. I have two

sizes that I make, and this is the

smaller of the two.

TIP: The best way to order the 6

gauge round wire or any heavy wire

is in straight lengths of one foot, if

available. If you order coiled wire,

you’ll spend the first few minutes

of your projects straightening and

flattening your silver wire.

2

The segments of wire that are

to be soldered together will

need to be scalloped to be soldered

properly. If you omit this step, you’ll

run the risk of solder joints cracking

and solder showing in the fi nal piece.

Exposed solder will tarnish fi rst and

create an unappealing look.

For me, using a coarse pointed or

cylindrical silicone polisher on the

silver segment ends that are to be

soldered is the best way to start.

It won’t take away much silver, but

it creates a place for the round fi le

to comfortably fi t into, without

slipping. Put this initial groove in

the center of the wire.

3

This is the premade groove

made by the silicone polisher

which is needed for the fi le to do

the actual scalloping.

Create a lovely pendant based on an 1800s era

Southwest design By Michael Anthony Cheatham

12

3

Dragonfly

Cross

34 LAPIDARY JOURNAL JEWELRY ARTIST