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Post by texaswoodie on Oct 19, 2007 12:12:05 GMT -5
I asked Doc a while back if he would make me a pendant out of a black druze cab I made and did he come through for me! Of course I have to as always tell you that the pic doesn't come close to showing what it really looks like. I really wish Santa would bring me a new camera this year. I highly recommend Doc if any of you guys want silver work done. Thank you Doc! Curt
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Post by Tonyterner on Oct 19, 2007 12:41:29 GMT -5
That's really nice Curt. I'm sure its way better in person.
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Post by BuiltonRock on Oct 19, 2007 12:45:09 GMT -5
That is nice! Good job Doc! Nice choice Curt!! john
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adrian65
Cave Dweller
Arch to golden memories and to great friends.
Member since February 2007
Posts: 10,789
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Post by adrian65 on Oct 19, 2007 13:47:25 GMT -5
Nice pendant! The ancient look of the silverwork increases even more the mistery of that druzy wood.
Adrian
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RockyBlue
fully equipped rock polisher
Go U.K.
Member since June 2006
Posts: 1,719
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Post by RockyBlue on Oct 19, 2007 13:47:52 GMT -5
Hey Curt! I agree ! Doc does excellent work,he made a pendant for me for my grandaughter,and she loved it. Rocky
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stonesnbones
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2007
Posts: 255
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Post by stonesnbones on Oct 19, 2007 14:29:34 GMT -5
Nice indeed,Kudos for how it draws the eye to the stone.
Brad
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Post by LCARS on Oct 19, 2007 14:40:16 GMT -5
Ooooh nice! This is another good example of where an aniGIF could really show off those drusy sparkles.
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Post by Jurrasic Jonje on Oct 19, 2007 15:14:11 GMT -5
what a stunning one of a kind. Way to go Doc.
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Post by docone31 on Oct 19, 2007 17:45:18 GMT -5
That druzy is some of the hardest stuff to make a setting for I have encountered in a long time. With a calibrated cab, the bottom is flat. With the druzy, it is on many planes. Plus, the crystals are fragile. The photo does not show it, but I also opened the bottom. It is a dual sided druzy! I really enjoyed making the pendant, although it took several different tries. The shape also made for tough bezel work. However, a treasure needs to be treated as a treasure. One day, out of the blue, I saw the pendant, and then I made one from scratch. Bingo! It all came together. The hardest part was securing that daggoned bezel. Since I am in the habit of rolling my sheet stock, and drawing my wires, the large bezel produced warping at each point of contact. When you roll out your sheet stock, there is always built in tension. I use the tension to help in making a pendant, or ring stronger. This bezel, it was like soldering rolling hills that moved as the heat got closer. For those of us who are silver workers, I machined a groove for the bezel in my trusty 2 X 12, after tacking the bezel at 5 points, put the bezel in the groove and soldered from the base side. The heat reflecting from the wood, really helped the solder flow from tack to tack. That made the difference. Silver needs back heat. I use only hard solder, and when it flows, it is a beautiful sight. Bam! total soldered joint. I use hard solder as it will also tarnish at the same rate as the main piece. In other words, unless you get acid on the solder, the joint won't show. Since there is only a 75* difference between easy, and hard solder, and I cannot tell the difference with colour, I use only hard. The "taught" method of silversmithing, is to start with hard, then go to medium, then finish with easy. I have never seen the teachers doing it that way, but, they teach it that way. I use only hard. Texaswoodie was great to make th pendant for. He sent the piece, then left me alone. I wish my customers at the shop would do that, I could do more for them. Doc
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Post by beefjello on Oct 19, 2007 22:42:45 GMT -5
Curt, I'd say you've been really good this year, what with rescuing squirrels and sending out wood and jasper to all your friends. Santa OWES you a new camera! ;D
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