Turquoise, with its captivating history and vibrant hues, has long been a favored gemstone in jewelry making. Its rich, earthy tones, ranging from sky blue to deep greenish-blue, lend themselves beautifully to a variety of designs. Today, we'll delve into the art of crafting stunning Golden Hills turquoise earrings, a style that elegantly blends the stone's natural beauty with the warmth of gold accents. These earrings, perfect for adding a touch of southwestern flair or a pop of color to any outfit, are surprisingly simple to create, even for beginner jewelry makers.
This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide, covering everything from selecting the right materials to achieving a professional finish. We will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you'll create a pair of exquisite earrings to cherish or gift. Ready to embark on this creative journey? Let's begin with a detailed, step-by-step exploration of how to make your own Golden Hills turquoise earrings.
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
Tools Needed
- 18 fine silver bezel wire
- flat nose pliers
- sharpie
- hard solder
- solder pick
- workbench
- black silicone polishing wheel
- 24 gauge sterling silver sheet
- mesh tray
- medium solder
- 12 gauge sterling silver twisted wire
- cutting shears (or jeweler's saw)
- sanding drum
- 3M radial discs
- Midas Blackmax oxidizer
- neutralizing bath (baking soda and water)
- plastic water paint brush
- foam polishing pads
- Xam compound
- blue dawn dish soap
- soft bristled toothbrush
- engraver's block
- bezel roller
Safety Guidelines
- Always wear safety glasses when working with sharp tools like wire cutters and drills.
- Turquoise is a relatively soft stone; handle it gently to avoid chipping or scratching. Use appropriate settings and backing to protect the stone.
- If you have any allergies to metals, ensure you use hypoallergenic materials like sterling silver or gold-filled wire to avoid skin irritation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stone Selection and Bezel Preparation
- Select two similarly shaped and sized turquoise stones.
- Wrap bezel wire around each stone, mark the overlap, and trim.
- Use flat nose pliers to snugly fit the bezel wire ends.
Stone Selection and Bezel Preparation First Solder: Bezel
- Solder the bezel wire using hard solder.
First Solder: Bezel Bezel Adjustment and Cleaning
- Check bezel fit and adjust using the workbench to match the stone's shape.
- Clean excess solder with a black silicone polishing wheel.
Bezel Adjustment and Cleaning Prepare for Back Plate
- Sand the bezel wire flat to prepare for soldering to the back plate.
Prepare for Back Plate Second Solder: Bezel to Back Plate
- Solder the bezel to the 24-gauge sterling silver back plate using medium solder.
Second Solder: Bezel to Back Plate Twisted Wire Preparation and Attachment
- Cut and fit the 12-gauge sterling silver twisted wire around the bezel.
- Solder the twisted wire using hard solder.
Twisted Wire Preparation and Attachment Third Solder: Twisted Wire to Bezel and Back Plate
- Solder the twisted wire to the bezel and back plate using medium solder.
Third Solder: Twisted Wire to Bezel and Back Plate Pickling (1)
- Pickle the pieces.
Pickling (1) Excess Material Removal
- Saw or trim excess back plate material.
- Clean up excess material using a sanding drum and black silicone polishing wheel.
Excess Material Removal Fourth Solder: Earring Posts
- Solder earring posts using medium solder and the sweat soldering method.
Fourth Solder: Earring Posts Pickling (2)
- Pickle the pieces again.
Pickling (2) Post Hardening
- Work-harden earring posts with flat nose pliers.
Post Hardening Polishing and Finishing
- Polish using 3M radial discs in order and Xam compound for high shine.
- Clean remaining polishing compound with blue dawn dish soap and a soft toothbrush.
Polishing and Finishing Oxidation and Patina Control
- Oxidize using Midas Blackmax, neutralize with baking soda and water, and polish off the patina with foam polishing pads.
Oxidation and Patina Control Stone Setting
- Set the stones using an engraver's block and bezel roller.
Stone Setting
Read more: Twisted Wire Spiral Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Choose stones as similar in shape and size as possible for a balanced look.
- Use a solder pick to guide solder flow during soldering.
- Don't overheat the piece during soldering.
- Leave extra solder for easier soldering of the twisted wire and for the final soldering step.
- For sawing, go slow and leave some room for error to avoid damaging the design.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Uneven Wire Wrapping
Reason: Inconsistent tension or wrapping technique leads to lopsided or unprofessional-looking earrings.
Solution: Practice consistent tension and wrapping technique, using a consistent number of wraps per section.
2. Improperly Secured Findings
Reason: Loose or insecurely attached earwires or other findings can result in the earring falling apart or being lost.
Solution: Use strong jewelry glue or crimp beads to securely attach all findings, ensuring a durable connection.
3. Insufficient Turquoise Protection
Reason: Leaving the turquoise exposed to harsh chemicals or environmental elements can lead to discoloration or damage.
Solution: Apply a sealant specifically designed for porous stones like turquoise to protect it and enhance its longevity.
FAQs
What type of wire is best for making Golden Hills turquoise earrings?
For Golden Hills turquoise, which can be a relatively soft stone, I recommend using 20-22 gauge sterling silver or gold-filled wire for durability and a beautiful finish. Argentium silver is also an excellent, tarnish-resistant choice.
How do I prevent the turquoise from chipping or cracking during the earring making process?
Handle the turquoise gently! Use smooth-jawed pliers and avoid excessive pressure when working with the wire. Be mindful of sharp edges that could scratch or damage the stone. Consider using protective padding if necessary.
Where can I find high-quality Golden Hills turquoise?
Reputable online bead suppliers and brick-and-mortar bead stores often carry Golden Hills turquoise. Look for sellers who provide detailed information about the stone's origin and quality, and don't hesitate to ask questions about the sourcing of their materials.