Custom Made Jewelry Findings

Hali Baykov offers here some diagrams and notes, with the basic steps in making specialized findings, including double pins and the use of a gallery to ensure there is good support and alignment with the brooches.

	Single Pin
	6mm x 6mm x 1mm silver sheet
	A. File away corners B. File groove with and round file adjust to final depth when pin is in position to provide tension
	Place tow pieces of chenier (tube), 1.6mm outside diameter, at both ends and solder into place. Leave 2mm gap in the middle. I like to use 1.6mm chenier (tube) but some people prefer 2mm chenier.
	Solder pin into 2mm long piece of chenier
	Fit the 3 cheniers together. Make sure theyare a tightfit. I prefer to broach the chenier and use a tapered pin to hold them in place.
	Double pin The procedure is similar to the 'sin­ gle pin' above, except that the supporting block for the chenier is wider as it is the chenier in the middle that supports the double pin. Instead of a groove in the middle, there are two at the side; these provide the spring for the pins.
	Catch suitable for enameling
	File up to shape wanted. Bend up one end with round pliers to a shape suitable for a catch.
	A. Leave just enough space to clear the pin. B. I also like to put a small solid silver bead at the back of he curve. it is decorative and helps the curve to stay in position. this i solder in position after the hook has been soldered in place.
	Catch for double pins This is made in the same way except that it is longer and has curves at both ends, the space beween them depends on the space between the pins. If the tension provided by he broves supporting the pins in the joint has been correctly adjusted, this should keep the pins securdly in place

Gallery

1. Look where support is needed.
2. See where it will look good.
3. Decide where the findings are going to be.
4. How are the enameled parts to be fixed together?

Next shape work and make the gallery. This is usually made with 1mm square or round wire. Roughly shape the wire to the piece to which it is to be attached, but solder one end only - adjust to the exact to the inside line, and solder into place. shape, then solder as it is shap ed to the work.

With more complicated shapes, cut out of 1mm sheet a piece slightly larger than the final size wanted, and shape to the work where a gallery is desired. Using double-sided cello-tape, stick under the piece, and scribe the outline onto the sheet. Remove the Next shape work and make the gallery. This is work and cut up to the scribed line.

With dividers, scribe a line 1mm to 1.5mm from the edge, and saw up to the line. Then carefully file up to the inside line, and solder into place.

By Hali Baykov – © Glass On Metal – Vol. 23, No. 2, April 2004

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