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O RULES DICTATE what is
right or wrong or when it
comes to artwork.The truth
is, how we respond to art is deter-
mined by our sense of aesthetics.
This is especially true for jewelry
design. So let’s shift our focus from
setting stones in metal and try
something diff erent — something a
bit more, shall we say, edgy.
We all know that leather on metal
is a neat combination. Just go to
any Renn Faire or pirate festival. We
also know that when you work with
leather, there will always, always be
scraps that seem like virtual throw-
aways. But wait! They’re not! In fact,
those scraps are precious, especially
with exotic leathers. And with a little
ingenuity, these can be used to cre-
ate something that will complement
the stylish threads of your seafaring
alter ego.1
Take four pieces of 18 gauge brass
sheet. Draw two circles on each.
Each circle should be 1.5 inches in
diameter. On one set, draw an inner
circle that is 1⅜ inches in diameter.2
Use a disc cutter to pop out the
circles. If you don’t have a disc
cutter, you can use a jeweler’s saw.
Yes, it takes longer, but the results
are essentially the same.3
Did you notice that one set of
circles was concentric? That’s
because that set will be used as a lip
to surround the alligator skin. Kind oflike setting a stone, only without the
hassle of using a bezel pusher.4
To keep things simple, this proj-
ect involves only one soldering
operation: that top ring. So, solder
it on with medium silver solder or a
brass color-matching silver solder.
Yes, they do make those. Also, this is
a good time to use that 1⁄16 inch drill
bit to drill the hole for the earwires.
You can also texture that outer ring
if you like.Make earrings that mix organics with metallics for some
swashbuckling fun By Roger Halas
Adorn Your
Inner Pirate
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60 LAPIDARY JOURNAL JEWELRY ARTIST