Metalwork class project!

I've received the metals I need for my class project - 20G argentium sheet and 18G copper (well I might use a thinner gauge - haven't decided yet) and 14G argentium wire. Ya think this will be a bit on the chunky side?? And this week I did sweat soldering since that's what I'll do on my project. It took 2 solder sessions to get the piece almost totally soldered down. I didn't want to waste the solder finising it off since it's just a test piece. Next is to cut out a template to see how to cut the argentium sheet. At $38 for a 2" x 6" piece I don't want to make any mistakes when I cut it! I'm also thinking of ways to embellish it with gemmies. I have so many pretty ones! Maybe I'll cut a hole in each link and bead a wire into place. I just don't know yet! But I better figure it out since I would like to finish it up before the class finishes.

I've been sorting gemstones!!!

I'm in a gem buying group and we're trying to rotate the job of receiving/shipping orders among several people since it's a LOT of work. I volunteered to do the last order and I finally received and sorted the first half of the order. Here are some of the gems fresh out of the box and all packaged up. Those are apatite rondelles up in the left corner. I haven't a clue what the other things are - maybe some green amethyst right in the middle.

And here are just a few of the BEAUTIFUL gemmies received - pink and dark purple amethyst in a gorgeous cut! Aren't they beautiful! To see more you'll just have to wait until I use the gemmies I ordered in my designs!

I have soldered!

OK - so we didn't solder the next week - but we finally got to it today. I did a butt joint (as in abut, not your or my behind) and it is secure! I'm going to do some trials at home with my butane torch to see what I can do with it. I'm also going to experiment with the argentium wire I have. In reading up on it I found that I can have fun with fusing! I'm liking argentium silver more and more - it doesn't tarnish AND it solders cleaner which means I don't have to spend as much time cleaning off residue from the torch. I've got some ideas on my "random movements" line of jewelry and I'm hoping with argentium wire I can make it more interesting. I finished my first "random" necklace and just need to take pictures to share it with you!