Shadow box flower pendant
This is a fairly easy project . A so called shadow box pendant . Shadow boxes consist of 2 shapes that are identical with one of the shapes having a pierced and cut design . On my project I am making a geometrical flower. I amusing 18 gauge sterling silver which is 1 mm thick and will give you a nice solid and heavier piece to wear. Most use 22 or 20 gauge though as a more cost effective way. I am now in that age where I appreciate the heavier jewelry .
Cut 2 circles in the same size ( mine are 1 1/4 inch in diameter ) . I use a swanstrom disc cutter for that , a very valuable but a bit pricey tool. You can also buy pre cut discs at riogrande.com or thunderbirdsupply.com or other online suppliers or you can cut it out by hand via your jewelry saw.
Draw on one of the circles your design you want to cut out . punch or drill a hole to feed your saw blade through and start cutting . I cut with a 6 inch jewelry saw and 1/0 blades. After you are done clean the metal with sandpaper to make it ready for soldering. Flux your piece with the cutout and add the solder . Heat with torch until the solder melts . Quench in water .Now some would pickle the cut out piece to clean it up for the next soldering step but I have to admit I never do . flux both circles and put the cut out one solder side down ( facing the other circle ). To make sure the whole thing will not move, I use a third hand . Heat again with your torch until you see the solder flow around the edge. The metal will be red hot at that point . Be careful not to melt your silver into a big blob of scrap. Quench in water and put into a pickle solution. After your piece turns white take it out and rinse with water. File along the edge until the solder line is barely visible . Punch or drill your hole for the jump ring . Start polishing with your flex shaft or sand paper. Make sure you remove all the firescale ( purple stain you get when soldering ) Add patina and polish again leaving the inside area alone . Add a jump ring and a chain and wear proudly.
as always if you would love to have this or any other piece and are unable to make it .Visit my shop at www.nicilaskin.etsy.com .
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