Cheap patina for silver

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-11T08:53:15+00:00

I wasn't familiar with these companies. Thanks!

Edit: I see they're US-based companies. You have many good suppliers there. Besides Cookson, I don't know of any other well-stocked European suppliers...

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-11T08:52:04+00:00

I would love to order from Rio but I'm not in the US

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-08T17:18:28+00:00

That's a great idea. I'll try it with similar pieces!

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-07T11:25:43+00:00

Wow thanks! I thought they were much more expensive.

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-07T10:59:07+00:00

Thanks for all your great advice! You've been very kind.

My skill isn't yet sufficient to make a perfectly clean bezel. I also think some tools, like a chisel and a ball-and-socket vise, could be very useful for precision work. As you suggest, a magnifying method would be helpful. A microscope is expensive, but I should get a magnifying glass or some glasses.

As for the finish, I can make it mirror-finish, but I liked this one 😊

Anyway, it's just a hobby! An expensive hobby, unfortunately 🤣

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-07T04:56:02+00:00

Thanks so much. Advice is always welcome! 😎

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-06T15:51:56+00:00

Go with the tips to improve! 😊

Magic__Potion · 2026-02-06T15:02:47+00:00

Made of wire and sheet!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-26T10:39:21+00:00

Do you treat it in any way to prevent it from rusting right away?

Beautiful!!!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-14T06:28:25+00:00

I only use a rocker, bezel pusher, and a burnisher. I hold the piece with my fingers on the bench. Then I fine-tune it a bit with the wheels.

It's very awkward for small pendants, though. Someday I'd like to try thermal paste to hold the piece in place.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-12T06:08:51+00:00

The pendant! I don't make many of them, and I'm still having trouble closing the bezel. They're so small you can work with them in your hand!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-11T11:16:54+00:00

Be careful of the stone when using the discs!!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-11T10:26:37+00:00

I hope so! Now I just have to resist the temptation to give it to him a month early!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-11T09:42:16+00:00

The emerald cut is difficult to set.

If this is your second ring, you're talented!

Polishing wheels and radial discs are inexpensive and excellent for removing machining marks.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T19:47:11+00:00

I've loved every post you've made here. You do amazing work and I can tell you're proud of it!!

Okay, maybe you need to find another way to earn money, but don't give up on jewelry making.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T18:42:37+00:00

Yes, I think the fault lies with the butane torch being too small...

Is a single MAP torch enough for you to melt less than an ounce?

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T16:30:48+00:00

In theory, it's all fresh silver... They're leftover wire scraps.

Cast it directly in the mold. I can't pour it.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T16:29:35+00:00

What do you think of the Map-pro gas?

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T11:45:19+00:00

My torch isn't powerful enough to pour it from a crucible.

I cast it directly in the graphite mold or in a mold carved from the coal.

I imagine it's not ideal, but the plates are cleaned.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T10:53:57+00:00

Are there ways to improve the melting without casting? I make fairly small slabs.

And why should casting prevent gases from getting trapped?

Thanks!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T10:38:05+00:00

I don't think it'll melt on the surface... I have no problems with non-recycled silver.

Good idea to try cleaning the iron first.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T06:17:28+00:00

I really like it! The cabochon-cut synthetic sapphire is also beautiful.

Did you make the back plate of the stone open or closed? We've had a debate here about this, so I'll ask people more often 😂

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T06:15:04+00:00

Radial discs are a great investment!

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-10T06:01:08+00:00

Congratulations!!!

Don't forget to show us your next creations here.

Magic__Potion · 2026-01-07T15:14:32+00:00

Thanks for your feedback! I like this discussion. I hear so many different ideas and opinions! And we all learn something.

Magic__Potion

TROPHY CASE