IMHO…maybe I’m a bit simplistic, but I’ve always called darker matrix pattern Spiderweb, the light two tone turquoise pattern, waterweb
Very nice. I can’t even tell where the rope around the bevel begins or ends. Do you put something under the stone like sawdust?
Not easy to do, and it looks great! Complete continuity and no visible solder joint at all.
One trick (and you may already be using both of these methods) is to match it just short of the actual circumference of the bezel and use an expansion ring sizer to stretch it up for a nice firm fit. I sometimes alternatively use a rawhide mallet and tap gently around the circumference to expand it a bit to fit.
Hi Nanc
I put a thin piece of leather under the stone.
My friend from Kewa Pueblo taught me that technique.
Good tips, Mike! I didn’t use either of those techniques.
I cut the twist on it’s natural angle and fitted the ends together. Easier said than done!
Haha! tell me a bout it
Hi guys…I bought these stones at the recent Gem and Mineral show. I forgot to bring my phone to the show, so I didn’t get any photos to share with you all.
But I bought these stones from Sunwest Silver.
They had the best selection of turquoise, hands down. It was their first time at this show, and I hope to see them attend next year, too.
On left, Sonoran Gold. Middle is waterweb Kingman. On the right is Golden Hills.
I’ll post when I make something!
@Stracci they large one in the middle😍 They are all keepers.
You chose some beautiful turquoise cabs! Sounds like the new vendor had wonderful inventory. Did you enjoy the Gem & Mineral Show overall? Looking forward to seeing your new creations.
Great stones! I like Sonoran Gold and Golden Hills. I learned that stone is from Kazakhstan. Looking forward to see what you will make with them.
Those are lovely! Well chosen.
@RedlandMaggie @here4turquoise @Patina @nanc9354
I would have bought more, but these stones were kind of expensive!
But the quality was there. I promised myself last year that I would not waste money on any more mediocre stones. If I want the good stuff, then I have to pay a little more.
I see you choose well to compliment your creations.
Today I finished this ring. I used the Golden Hills turquoise cab that I recently bought from the local gem and mineral show.
This one also has an adjustable shank, with a hammered finish.
Very nice, I like that one a lot! Your solder work is quite good.
Thanks! @markyboy57
My mantra is “no messy solder”.
I try to use the smallest amount to create the join. Sometimes it runs a little, but I do my best to keep it neat.
The quality of solder work definitely makes or breaks a piece of jewelry.
It’s beautiful! I love the shadow box going on, and the bezel. The way you made the bezel reminds me of the one on my Charlie John cuff.
Thanks @Ziacat ! Your Charlie John cuff is so cool!
The toothed bezel was an afterthought.
I used the Dremel tool with a cutter disc to cut the sections. I thought it would give some visual interest to the stone.
Nice unique ring @Stracci ! I like the clean open end shank for us with the mature enlarging knuckles.
Thanks @StevesTrail !
Mature knuckles indeed!
I wish I had known about this years ago, when I first started making jewelry.
There are several different styles of adjustable shanks that I’ve seen. Or whatever I can dream up that might work. I’ll keep experimenting, as I move on to future projects.