This is project was featured on PBS's Beads, Baubles & Jewels series! Tune in to your local PBS station to catch new episodes or, if it's not available in your area, call PBS and request it be added to your programming.
Note: Due to the heavy sawing and filing necessary for this project, we recommend working at a jeweler’s bench.
Supplies |
Order # | Quantity |
| Sterling pendant mounting, 40 x 30mm | 696-803 | 1 |
| Jeweler’s saw frame | 110-039 | 1 |
| Laser Gold™ saw blades, 2/0 | 110-306 | 1 |
| Bur-Life® stick | 117-003 | 1 |
| Reticulated silver sheet, 20 ga. | 103-520 | 3" x 3" |
| Swanstrom flat-nose pliers | 111-301 | 1 |
| Hand file, medium-cut, flat | 114-702 | 1 |
| Spectrum™ finishing papers | 337-216 | asst. |
| Chasing hammer | 112-227 | 1 |
| E-6000 adhesive | 206-006 | 1 |
| Bolo back with 1/2" pad | 661-150 | 1 |
| Bolo cord, dark brown, 42"L | 636-008 | 1 |
| Sterling bolo tips | 630-233 | 1 pair |
| Stainless steel tweezers | 115-100 | 1 |
| MIDAS® liver of sulfur | 331-030 | 1/4" piece |
| Household ammonia | — | 1 tbsp. |
| Table salt | — | 1 tsp. |
| Hot water | — | 2 cups |
| Permanent marker | — | 1 |
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Steps |
| 1. Use the jeweler’s saw to carefully cut the bail off the sterling pendant mounting (lubricate the saw blade with Bur-Life® as necessary). Use the hand file and Spectrum™ finishing papers to smooth and finish the rough edge. | |
| 2. Create a paper template that matches the size of the pendant mounting. Using a permanent marker, trace the template onto the reticulated silver sheet. Cut out the oval shape with the saw; use the hand file to size and shape the oval until it fits inside the mounting. | |
| 3. To make the patina mixture, combine 1/4" piece of liver of sulfur, one cup of hot water, one tablespoon of household ammonia and one teaspoon of salt. Use the stainless steel tweezers to hold the reticulated silver piece and dip it first into a separate cup of hot water, then into the patina mixture, alternating until you reach the desired patina. | |
| 4. Place the oval in the pendant mounting, then use the hammer to tap the pendant mounting’s prongs over the oval shape. | |
| 5. Place a drop of the E-6000 adhesive on the back of the pendant and attach the bolo back; allow it to set for at least 24 hours. | |
| 6. Slide the bolo tips onto each end of the bolo cord and squeeze them securely in place with Swanstrom flat-nose pliers. | |
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