Here is a step by step demonstration of making a
Mermaid Sterling Silver Bezel Set Bracelet
by Teresa Cetto.
Teresa has been teaching at the Center for 34 years.
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Finished Piece
After selecting a piece of Cobalt blue seaglass and choosing the proper height bezel wire,the bezel is shaped around the glass by hand and with half round pliers.
Flat nose pliers will allow the ends to meet as perfectly as they can.
Next I will file and fit, file and fit until it is
finally ready to solder.
Playing with fire I am most comfortable flowing the solder into the seam in this set up. Gravity helps it flow and the bezel never droops!
Success. It fits easily over the glass and now is the time to level the bottom edge.
Preparing the medium solder to cut chips to connect the bezel wall to the bezel base.
Almost ready to solder. Needs some adjustment of the solder chips and the flux.
That is a beautiful solder joint.
Piercing with the jewelers saw and smoothing the edges with needle files I am happy with the way it looks from the back. This is the time to start sawing the excess edges off one side at a time. I break less blades that way.
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The edges are file and sanded.
The sketch has been drawn and redrawn many times. I must organize my thoughts and adjust the size of the pieces to fit around a wrist.
This sketch reminds me to leave space for the pierced overlay pieces to have plenty of room to be placed in the proper places.
Preparing one of the two mermaids to flank the seaglass.
The mermaids are being soldered to the bezel while upside down. Upside down, right side up, there are no rules, whatever works.
The jump rings are also in place.
After many hours of sawing, filing, soldering, making individual tiny jump rings and the toggle clasp, the piece is ready for the next final stage..
The entire piece has been soaking in liver of sulfur and now is ready for the polishing stage.
This is the handle of a tooth brush. This is my bezel setting tool I use when setting the delicate seaglass.
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After a few more hours of polishing the bracelet is complete.
About Terry's Classes:
Teresa teaches an introductory class at the Creative Arts Center that gets new metalsmithing students comfortable with all the tools and techniques of working directly with sheet and wire. Students will learn to play with fire. You will go home with your very own designed pendant, bracelet and if you are chosen to pursue this medium, a ring or two. The class focuses on working in sterling silver. A 3 hour class is offered for 6 weeks. You can then continue as long as you like as an intermediate and advanced student. Daytime and evening times are available. Small size classes. Maximum of 8. This is the only year round class of it's type on Cape Cod available for adults.
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