Jewelry Project/Technique SAWING FOR 3D EFFECTS
4c
Working sequentially,
following the same
movements of each tool
on each area, promotes a
consistent result. As I work, I
often count movements of the
tool I’m using, whether a saw
or fi le or hammer. The same
number of movements with
the same angle and pressure
of the same tool produces
identical results. In addition
to controlling the eff ect of
the tool, being mindful of
the number of strokes of
each sequence helps me stay
centered in the moment and
maintain focus on the work.REMOVE SCALLOPS
BETWEEN PRONGS
Before cutting away the metal, it
might be necessary to redraw the scal-
lops with a marker. If so, use dividers to
remark a horizontal reference line from
the bottom of the setting to the bottom
of the cut-out of the scallops.4d
Hold the bezel upright on the
pin with the bottom edge of
the bezel slightly back from the edge
of the pin. Saw from each side of the
scallop towards the center to remove
the small piece of metal.4e
The cuts meet in the center.4c 4e
4h
5a
4f
4i
4g
5
4d
New Silver
Because I’d heard good things about
it but had never used it before, I
decided to fabricate these rings with
Continuum silver, a proprietary sterling
alloy of silver and palladium made by
Stuller that is oxidation and tarnish
resistant. My experience verified what
I’d heard: that Continuum works more
like gold than silver, and exhibits
better physical and mechanical
properties than other patented sterling
alloys. It has excellent malleability and
is well suited for hand wrought work.
I enjoyed working with this metal, and
found it superior to any other alloy of
silver I have used.26 LAPIDARY JOURNAL JEWELRY ARTIST