So Many New Possibilities!

I'm not sure how many of you remember this simple pendant I made as a commission piece for a lovely lady to match her earrings.   

After my friend who makes silver jewelry returned the cab to me refusing to set it because of it's irregular surface I had to really think and improvise on this piece as I don't like making "traditional" bezels where they are backed with sheet metal. 

 Why?  Mainly because of the grinding, sanding, polishing and buffing required to finish it.  Without a proper ventilation system I won't set up the Genie for this.  I can do it with a rotary tool, BUT  working on that small of scale takes forever and I don't have the patience for it.  Also I really wasn't all that happy with the few pieces I have previously set.

After a bit I had the brilliant idea to use flattened wire shaped to fit the bezel and solder them to the bezel back. It worked wonderfully.   Simple, easy and so little finish work to get it shaped and shiny.

Since then I have discovered paste solder which I love as it allows me to precisely place and control the amount of solder I want.  

I have finished my first pair of earrings this way and am finishing up a similar necklace.   And another pair of earrings.

As time passes I see more and more ways I can design and create beautiful jewelry.  So many possibilities have opened up for me creation wise!