As for the shop, we are finding the right products to use.  That along with the installation means we cannot give a definite date, unfortunately.

If you have any suggestions then please let us know either via the contact form, or leave a comment below.  Thank you.

Tools still need cutting.  Deadline fast approaching.  Will I get this done…?

It’s very much like t-shirt transfers but the bonus is that images can be printed onto metal.  My tutor introduced me to this process at the beginning of this final project.  I had no idea that the same principal could be applied the some beautiful results.

The only grey are I’m finding is getting the lighter colours to show, as I’ve been told with the reflective qualities of silver the lighter colours may not show well.  I have been advised to saturate the images.  Hopefully it works out.

After I’m done with the house-wifey things I will post a picture of the aluminium sample, which looks fabulous. Although I’m not sure it will show clearly in the photos as my choice of imagery isn’t the best (hence needing to saturate the images).

[Edit 13/04]

Here is the original pattern:

Sample pattern.

Here are the samples in aluminium:

Sample 1.

Sample 2.

© hswalsh.com

I learnt about this nifty flux when I was working on my Poetry collection:

Poetry

The frame of the pendant is made from 0.6mm thick silver sheet.  I had the frames cut and marked with laser technology.  The only problem was securing the folds, as they had become weak.  The options were to laser weld the fold lines or solder.  I knew laser wouldn’t give me the clean finish I wanted so it was the soldering option.  However with soldering there was a big chance fire stains would appear.  To counteract this my lecturer (Jo Pond) introduced me to Argo-Tect.  A flux, which protects silver from fire stains during the soldering process.

All I needed to do was put take the required amount of Argo-Tect flux and then mix in some methylated spirit until the mixture became creamy.  Then brush  the newly mixed solution onto my silver, avoiding the area for soldering.  Finally, as normal, I’d flux the joins for soldering and place my strips of solder, heat up the whole piece and let it cool before putting into the pickle.

Wah-lah, my frames were clean and no fire stains.

N.B I think this is only applicable on silver.

The collection, consisting of four rings, is inspired by kirigami (the Japanese art of folding but with the allowance of cutting).

I finally remember how to get a wax model carved with the milling machine – too bad today was my last day so I won’t be able to use this knowledge for a long while and I’ll probably forget soon¹.

It was great being given a small tour of the company, the designer, polishers, stone setters, wax carvers, admin…etc.  Even having a quick glance at their record books you could see the history of the manufacturing company – they even have a mini museum! Although I was later informed that some of the books are made to look older than they actually are…  However I did see a book which dated back to 1902. O.o

I’ve learnt a lot about the jewellery industry and have been given more than plenty of useful tips, although when it came to asking questions my mind went blank, typical really.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and rather strengthens my goal to become a jewellery designer maker, either independently or working within a business.  So long as I have the opportunity to design and make I’ll be happy.

For now though I’ll be working hard on my final project and can’t wait to see the Charles Green eternity rings and gents rings, I’ll have to wait a few weeks though before the silver prototypes are done.  Many thanks to Phillip Beale, Tom Green and Charles Green & Sons for this experience. ^^

1. Maybe not though, my memory with technology steps and remembering past conversations is a lot better than driving routes.

Anyway, today was mainly about CAD.  I didn’t realise how difficult an eternity ring would be to produce in CAD, mind, today was my first attempt and it took a while to get it near enough perfect but I learnt more about Rhino – having the two weeks of “intensive” CAD course didn’t hurt either.  I’m slowly remembering the steps from translating ArtCAM models on to the milling machine and, to a certain extent, used one.  It will be one of my most valuable experiences in life.  Also, I love the fact that I’m not just stuck in one area; being able to sketch, CAD and make is great and something I want as a career.  Although producing RP (rapid protoypes) doesn’t exactly put bench skills to the test but just being able to see an instant outcome of your work – be it in wax form – is exciting.  The geek-within might even have a little look into JewelCAD.

It has only been two days but I’m treasuring every moment and learning.   I’m going to work hard and make the most of it.

Oh and slightly deviating from the subject I found out that me and my fellow piers have been published in The Anchor and Goldsmith magazine (I think Goldsmith anyway… I correct that if I’m wrong) – happy days. ^^

I was taught how to quote, which will come in handy for when I start producing bespoke jewellery and collections.  I then had to do some technical drawings – I was a little worried about showing my “skills” because I hadn’t done a hand-drawn technical drawing in so long that it might look a tad tatty and unprofessional.  All went well though and my drawings were complimented. *thumbs up*

At uni. I find myself faffing around when it comes to the designing stage so to have to produce sketches from ten different inspiration ideas was good practise.  Although, my sketching could still do with a bit of work and I need to ban myself from using a rubber!

Overall today was exciting and very insightful, I learnt a bit more about diamonds and that of the pink variety.  I also learnt how to use a milling machine, although I can’t remember some of it and most of the information will have gone from my head by tomorrow.  There are lots more things I have been told but too many to list!  All I will say is that I’m glad to have this opportunity to work for such a business.

Now, I look forward to tomorrow where I get to CAD up my designs.

Watch this space!

Charles Green pendant.

I was shocked, I think the overjoyed part came later that morning when it had sunk in.  I still can’t believe…

Charles Green Award.

The best thing about it is that I get to spend a weeks work experience at Charles Green – I can’t wait.  Many thanks to Mr Green, Charles Green and Sons Ltd, and particularly Pip who was a big help during the project.

Congratulations to my classmates Helen Dobson (Helen has written a better post on the ceremony as she actually…ahem…attended.), Sophie Waters and Amy Roberts who also won awards for their pieces.