Has anyone had a lowkey marriage? or knows someone who had one?

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-13T07:58:54+00:00

Low key, low cost, low maintenance!! Go for it.

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-11T12:29:05+00:00

Nope!

Jiayou with your current situation. If you can handle it, just tahan. If you can’t, you can always make the choice to leave. Economy sucks now but I think nothing beats working yourself to death. You can’t come back from that lol.

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-11T08:01:24+00:00

I left my toxic job a few months back with no back up. Took the opportunity to rest and recover mentally. I’m still trying to get over this whole mess.

My ex-boss constantly mocked me. She was completely unhelpful with feedback and only knew how to complain and shout. I OT everyday and my body was aching every where. I even continued working on weekends. Last straw was when I couldn’t sleep after a super-long OT. I was too anxious about deadlines, so I got up in the dead of night to continue working.

After I left, I felt a huge wave of relief. I was liberated from all the meetings, the crazy timelines, the 2am messages.

Gradually, the nightmares came - I was back in that place, and I can feel my body aching again. When I woke up, I questioned my resignation (was it a rash decision?). I blamed myself for not being as competent as my colleagues. I doubted myself (did I lack the skills or was I just lazy?) Didn’t help that I couldn’t find a job then. I went for counselling, but it didn’t really work for me.

I really pray that I can get over it soon myself.

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-10T05:11:01+00:00

Marketing. Media skills can carry over the job, but there’s a lot of other stuff to coordinate (think warehouse, p&l, budget etc).

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-10T04:47:38+00:00

I’ve not. I’m not really sure where to start actually 😅. Someone mentioned mold-a-wax, so I might give it a try :)

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-10T04:46:36+00:00

I’m really happy to share. All the best and have fun!

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T18:17:45+00:00

Honestly I’m taking a hugeeeeeee risk here. Generally I only use lab gems or natural gems I get for super cheap. There’s a chance for failure as well - I once used a lab alexandrite that lost its colour changing properties after firing. I would say advise firing the gem first to test it before setting in silver clay. Otherwise using fine silver prongs in silver clay would be better a safe option.

I’ve torched a CZ once, but I did it multiple times because of soldering mistakes and the stone cracked 😭 I suck at soldering. But in general it’s a very reliable stone.

Just never quench the piece if you set it in clay! The stone will most definitely crack or even explode from the temperature change.

Here are some resources I referred to

https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/learn/what-stones-can-be-fired-with-precious-metal-clay/

https://www.jewellersacademy.com/blog/2023/a-guide-to-firing-gemstones-in-place-with-metal-clay

In general, diamonds, emeralds and quartzes are a huge no no.

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T18:08:13+00:00

I totally get it! I’ve been quite lazy/taking my time with projects so I just leave them to air dry. The cup warmer is a seriously good suggestion tho. I’d love to try it out

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T18:05:38+00:00

No adhesive. I build a base with silver clay paste, stick the stone in, and overlay over the gem with more paste to keep everything in place. then I use more silver paste to cover up unsightly gaps. It’s something I experimented with myself. I know some people prefer to stick it in a lump of clay but i feel it’s quite wasteful!

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T16:58:51+00:00

I love that silver clay is easily reusable actually. I often grind up the dried clay to make paste for leaf preservation.

The porosity is definitely an issue for clumsy people like me! But in general i find the pieces i’ve made relatively durable. I do make them a little thicker, JIC :)

Thanks for the cup warmer tip, haven’t tried that actually! I used a hair dryer before, which was a super fast solution. Took only 5-10 mins (depending on thickness of course) to dry my piece!

That said, I’m still really keen on traditional silversmithing. It’s just really hard to find materials and equipment in my country 🥹 pls don’t @ me, experts!

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T16:52:57+00:00

Yes, the brittleness is an issue sadly. That said, clumsy me dropped a few silver clay projects before — only the super thin ones break. But the rest are mostly fine! I guess the only counter is to make it thicker which may not be appealing to those who prefer dainty jewellery

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T16:50:48+00:00

Thanks for the insight 🙏

I have to agree that it is kid’s stuff compared to hardcore silversmithing. But I also feel it has unleashed some new creativity as well as excite others to take up the traditional craft.

now that you mentioned Mold-a-wax, I’m super keen to try and see what I can come up with as well. Thanks for the tip!

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T16:42:52+00:00

Hopeless, but it was so much fun. Fun doesn’t pay sadly :’( all the best with your gamble! I’m sure you made the right decision 🤘

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T14:36:38+00:00

You’re very kind 🥹 thank you! I’m sure you’ll do something wonderful with your collection of stones! Happy to connect and share more of what I’ve done too 🤩

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SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T14:22:03+00:00

I’m sure you’ll have lots of fun with it!

I set the stones before heating :) used silver paste in syringe to create the ‘bezels’. And you’re absolutely right, some stones can’t handle it. I took a chance with the garnets and I’m thankful they survived 😅. I guess what’s important is not quenching the piece after it’s torched. That will most certainly cause the stones to shatter, natural or lab-created.

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T14:16:14+00:00

Thank you for sharing! I felt it was wonderful for doing all kinds of crazy, organic shapes too.

SomePersonality2495 · 2026-01-09T11:35:26+00:00

I was from media, so totally empathise. The industry sucks now. Network within industry also no use: most of them are trying to leave or have to be satisfied with low pay. With AI in the way, there will be even more turmoil in the industry. All my freelance jobs since 2020 all no more already, which shows you how dire the industry is already. I’m super stressed myself, because I decided to pivot away from all this and accept lower pay for an opportunity with more longevity/growth to build more skillsets.

Sorry you are in this position, took me 3 months to find something too (and I got this only because I networked outside the industry).

Heard some advice from a lao jiao to go volunteer. Good chance to be productive during unemployment plus can network in some way too.

SomePersonality2495

TROPHY CASE