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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Apr 29, 2010 9:54:31 GMT -5
As you can see I need to do a bunch of clean up on this one!  What is the best way to get some of the nicks & scratches out or at least to smooth it out a little bit? I had trouble making the wire do what I wanted because of the shape of the stone. If someone could please tell me what it is that would be great! Wanted to add a little sparkle to it but everything I tried said NO! It's not colorful or fancy or anything, just smooth & creamy with a touch of gold specks to it so I had to keep it very simple so as not to overwhelm the quiet beauty of the stone. Please tell me IYHO what you think! Thanks - Donnie Attachments:
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Apr 29, 2010 11:12:29 GMT -5
very fine wet/dry sand paper in like 2000grit thats good for the first time with square, it takes a little bit to get the hang of it. Try getting some half round to do your wraps with instead of round as it hold better. One trick I use is to have a thin piece of tape to go around the edge of the stone and mark it where you want to bind the wire at then put it on a paper and cut your wire a bit longer to make the bail and swirlies, lay it next to the tape that is marked with the binding wraps locations and transfer that to the wire and then bind it. Next after the wire is bound shape it around the stone and do the bail part. Then spread your wires to hold the stone and you will see it is much easier to control this way. You have done a good job! Get a burnisher and see if just rubbing the marks on the wire will burnish out, the one that are deeper you then can sand. Hope this helps  |
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Apr 29, 2010 11:59:18 GMT -5
What is a burnisher?
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Apr 29, 2010 12:03:55 GMT -5
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gemhunter
starting to spend too much on rocks
"Rock On"
Member since November 2009
Posts: 243
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Post by gemhunter on Apr 29, 2010 12:15:16 GMT -5
That pendent looks really nice to me.
thanks for the tips 2badfrog.
Ed
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Apr 29, 2010 12:39:13 GMT -5
Thanks 2badfrog & Ed! Still no hints on the rock, huh?
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Apr 29, 2010 13:42:19 GMT -5
another tip for not leaving marks on the wire is to hone your pliers jaws to a shiney finish on the working sides as any grooves or mark on them will transfer to the wire no matter how careful you are. The softer the wire the more it will mark up.
I used a diamond knife blade sharpener in a medium grit to polish out my bending tools
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Apr 30, 2010 11:01:15 GMT -5
Still looking for suggestions on what this rock might be. Nice creamy color with specks of gold in it. Anybody?  ?? |
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 30, 2010 13:17:17 GMT -5
Looks like a white quartz with some kind of inclusions to me... love how you characterized it with the words "quiet beauty". Nice job on the wrap Donnie!
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Post by drocknut on Apr 30, 2010 16:29:14 GMT -5
I agree with Naturenut, looks like some type of milky quartz with either pyrite or mica inclusions. It's hard to tell but if you test it for hardness it could give you a better idea.
As to MHO, well I like it. I was told by a wise wrapper on here to use a light hand with a jewelers file. I had one I won at a raffle so used it and it worked great. Don't know about burnishing or sandpaper but sounds like those methods work too.
That stone does have a "quiet beauty". I would add a few more curls just to try to bring out the gold flecks. Sometimes a few more add to the piece without overwhelming it. Keeping it simple is the right idea though IMHO. Looks like it isn't a cab so that is usually harder to make the wire behave on. I would say 2badfrog is right about using 1/2 round on the wraps, it's easier to use and looks less bulky. It also might be easier if you make the bail a little longer, that seems to help snug up the wires around the stone for me. JMHO (remember you asked for it...LOL)
Now that you've had too much of my humble opinion I'll just say you done good, keep at it.
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Apr 30, 2010 18:55:31 GMT -5
Yes, I did ask & I do appreciate it, too. I had 1 ft of square gold filled & it just barely made it for the bail. It is not a big enough bail for my liking as a smaller size chain or cord will be required unless I just design a necklace to hang it on. I will try to test the hardness but I will say this, it is totally solid without any hint of opacity to it. Thanks - Donnie
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