Update #1 Update - Wax Model
Attached please find a photo of the wax to be cast for the Moutain Scene Pendant. It is just a hair over 1.5" at the widest and 1.2" at the tallest.
posted on Dec 28th 2011 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #2 Canoe Added
A Canoe was added to the right foreground as if it were tied to a dock just outside our view of the Lake and Mountains.
posted on Dec 29th 2011 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #3 Fresh Casting
This is what a Sterling Silver casting looks like fresh from being cast. The Sprue and Button are still attached.
Sprue and Button will be removed, the piece will be filed and sanded, and the Bale will be soldered on in the next step.l
posted on Dec 31st 2011 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #4 Soldered and Pickled
Here is the next phase of this Pendant. The Sprue and Button have been removed and can be remelted for another project. Filed, sanded and the Sterling Silver Tube Bale has been soldered on for the Leather Cording from which it will hang.
After the tubing was soldered, the piece was put in an acid bath, called a "Pickle" by jewelers and metalsmiths, where the fine silver is brought to the surface and black Copper Alloy oxidation is removed.
It is now ready for the first polishing in a Vibratory Polisher with Stainless Steel Shot and a "secret burnishing solution" that will remove rough edges and fine scratches, preparing the piece for hand polishing.
Last step after hand polishing and the Patina coloring process will be to add the leather cording and the piece is finished.
posted on Dec 31st 2011 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
Update #5 Finished
The Sterling Silver Mountain Scene Pendant has had the acid applied to darken the shadows and bring out the depths and details of the Mountains, Lake and Canoe.
A braided leather cord was added to enhance the masculinity of the pendant, with Sterling Silver ends for the clasps.
Enjoy!!
posted on Jan 02nd 2012 by Patricia Riley Metalsmith
