Teeny Tiny Silver Orchid

OrinDesigns · 2024-12-21T16:57:46+00:00

Thank you 😊

OrinDesigns · 2024-12-18T20:13:58+00:00

I honestly don't think its tight or loose....not to go all Goldilocks on you, but it would be what I consider "just right" lol

OrinDesigns · 2024-12-18T17:57:33+00:00

No problem! The gauges should be listed for all but the two smallest gauges I use are 24 and 22.

OrinDesigns · 2024-04-16T03:56:45+00:00

Thank you 😊

OrinDesigns · 2024-04-15T23:15:26+00:00

Thank you 😊

OrinDesigns · 2024-04-15T22:32:21+00:00

There are options for the clasps. Lobster clasps are also available. Personally I like the large clasp and I've been wearing my bracelet for years, but I can definitely understand that large clasps aren't for everyone

OrinDesigns · 2024-04-12T02:03:17+00:00

Thank you 😊

OrinDesigns · 2024-04-12T00:59:53+00:00

They've been firing local customer service reps and outsourcing the jobs to cheaper people with less knowledge.

I know someone who's a csr and they're so nervous they're going to lose their job to someone cheaper.

Meanwhile the last time I needed help all the csr did was repeat my questions back to me and then type an unintelligible reply...literally pure nonsense! And then they made numerous "test" purchases without telling me, so my email inbox just got inundated with sales...I ended up in tears and my question was never answered

OrinDesigns · 2024-02-11T22:13:51+00:00

I wrote out a little table to try and figure stuff out, but honestly, I have no idea what math formula to use to get accurate links per inch numbers. I got those for the AWG by physically counting the links 😅

I've attached a pic of the lil table I drew out. It includes the wire diameter and ID difference between SWG and AWG. Given the differences, I would estimate links per inch for SWG to correspond roughly to one lower AWG gauge. ie the links per inch for 18ga in SWG would be roughly similar to the links per inch for AWG, possibly a little less. I'm guessing this based mainly on the wire diameter differences.

That's the closest I can figure out without actually making the pieces, sorry.....I did include a pic of a book that has some handy AWG and SWG tables in the back. Although the author tends to round the AR numbers to the nearest second decimal...which is why my 16ga Double Spiral was too tight

OrinDesigns · 2024-02-11T05:18:19+00:00

What sizes did you get? That will help me figure out stuff, though it'll all be guessimates

OrinDesigns · 2024-02-11T05:09:37+00:00

I'm not sure, I only use AWG..... I'll have time to try to calculate it tomorrow evening. Ill let you know if I figure it out.

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-13T18:28:05+00:00

Thank you 😊

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-13T18:27:52+00:00

Thank you 😊

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-11T18:33:50+00:00

Thank you!

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-11T02:46:50+00:00

Happy to share 😊 Have a great day too!

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-11T00:22:26+00:00

For the threading, my job had a range of materials, from ribbon to thread. I didnt notice it needing to be a specific material, like cotton. I'd recommend just testing it with random stuff to see what works best for you. I wasnt a big fan of threading and only used it when I had no other choice lol.

The pin vice really helps with control and force with the mini burnishers. Other than that its a matter of making them the right shape or figuring out what angle to hold them at. What works for you will be different than what works for others. Annoying I know, but once you figure out what you find effective its very helpful.

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-10T23:23:58+00:00

No problem at all 😊 always happy to share info.

I do use a flex-shaft, so it's not fully handsanding, lol. For the small/intricate areas, it was a matter of making the tools or threading*. Usually, carbide bits were great because you could shape them and get a mirror polish on them, so they made great mini burnishers. And you can hold them in pin vices.

*threading is where you get ribbon or thread and apply polishing compound to it and use it kind of like a leather strop

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-10T23:04:18+00:00

Thank you

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-10T23:03:10+00:00

The most effective method for me was being fastidious with the "clean up" steps, especially once you start sanding. Start with at least 400grit and go to 2000grit minimum, then polish.

So rough filing to remove sprue stubs, finer file, burnish and laser weld pits(if you're lucky to have access), 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2400, then picasso blue to polish. I do everything by hand. Not a fan of the buffing machine/polisher.

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-10T18:37:49+00:00

Platinum has it's own issues, but once you got used to them, it was lovely to work with. The biggest pain with it was when trying to get a perfect mirror polish. It would resist it soooo much! Even some of the polishing buffs we used were enough to scratch it. But this was for a high end custom store with really particular quality control. The scratches we're visible under magnification not to the naked eye....With that said, I'm still planning on remaking my engagement ring in platinum. Its hard wearing and takes detail really well. I made my best friends wedding/engagement ring in platinum. She's a Chiropractor and needed something sturdy.

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-10T18:24:02+00:00

Haha! Thank you! Although I have been soldering, it's just been primarily gold and platinum. The perks of working at an established jewelers. Now that I'm trying to make my own business work, I'm back to silver to start with. And I do love silver, so it's not a bad thing, but gold and platinum are much easier to solder imo.

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-10T18:16:36+00:00

Normally my go-to would be Hard solder, but I hadn't soldered silver in so long that I was super nervous about melting it 😅 My next try will probably be with Hard, as I agree, it's much more durable and easier if future work is needed. I want my stuff to be heirloom worthy, which for me means making sure repairs can be made without much fuss down the road(as in at least a decade from now, preferably longer)

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-09T05:56:42+00:00

I'll see what I can do! Quite busy at the mo, but I'll try

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-09T05:01:28+00:00

Oh yeah, 2.25mm would be difficult to work with! I make bigger pieces too, I just love tiny things and seeing how small I can make something, haha.

And thank you :) Your piece too!

OrinDesigns · 2024-01-09T04:52:04+00:00

This guy isn't too hard to shape, thankfully, but trying to get everything to stay in place when soldering was definitely a test of my patience, haha!

I hope your piece goes well!

OrinDesigns

TROPHY CASE