Sea Glass Jewelry Making Tips & Tricks
Have a question? If there is a sea glass jewelry making topic you would like to see covered here please write me I will do my best to keep this page updated.
How To Set Sea Glass In A Bezel
I recently came across this great tutorial for those of you that are interested in creating bezel settings for sea glass Bezel Set Sea Glass Pendant Tutorial
Sources For Purchasing Silver Wire - Rio Grande, thunderbird supply company, Jatayu
Drilling Sea Glass:
Information About Drilling Sea Glass
Information on drilling sea glass continues to out number all other jewelry making questions. I use a flex shaft which is a basic tool that is used by jewelers. There are various flex shafts on the market. I recommend Rio Grande. I have had my flex shaft for so long that I no longer know the stock number for it or the handpiece. The handpiece is sold seperately and you will need that as well. Rio Grande stocks the diamond drill bits that I use. They are called "Mini Diamond Drills". They come in a range of sizes. The ones I use most often are stock numbers 349-009, 349-010, 349-011 and 349-012. They also sell diamond core drill bits that work well too. Rio Grande offers great support and someone in their technical department will answer your questions in terms of which flex shaft, handpiece and drill bits to purchase as well as questions regarding techniques and safety. This is a genuine recommendation I do not recieve any compensation for recommending Rio Grande - I am just very grateful to this company because they made my carreer possible!
I recently recieved these great questions about jump rings:
Q - What is your opinion on the use of jump rings vs. split rings for attaching sea glass to a link-type chain? Is there a problem with opening the split ring wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the sea glass, and consequently scratching it? If the jump ring is best to use, is there any problem with the jump ring separating, or any way to ensure that it does not separate? What size of jump ring or split ring is typically used in this application?
A - I do think that split rings are problematic because you would really have to wrestle to open it enough to slide the sea glass on without scratching or chipping the glass. The split ring could become mishaped as well.
Wire gauge is the key for strength. For earrings I use 20g jump rings and 18g or 16g for necklaces and bracelets. The weight of the chain is a factor, 18g or 16g may be too heavy for a light chain. If you are going to use a light gauge wire for jump rings then I would not go any lighter than 20g - but experiment first with 18g. With 20g wire work hardening is crucial and should be done at each stage.
20g jump rings used to attach sea glass to a chain will make for a delicate piece of jewelry and there is a greater risk of losing a piece of sea glass with this gauge than the heavier gauges. You want to be sure that the rings are closed well and use your pliers to make adjustments to make sure they are flat.
I use half hard wire for jump rings and then still do some work hardening for extra strength, even with the heavy gauges. I make jump rings on steel mandrels and cut them with ultra flush cutters. It is best to experiment with sizes - just be sure that it has flow so the sea glass does not get stuck in any position.
Final note: With 18g wire and under the jump rings in smaller diameters are the strongest. By experimening you will find which diameters work best for you.
Wire Gauge For Wire Wrapping Sea Glass
Wire wrapping is an ancient technique for creating a jewelry setting. In addition to being an attractive way to display a valued object it provides protection to the object as well.
When it comes to wire wrapping there is no right or wrong as long as it is wrapped securely. Usually I use heavy gauge wire such as 18 gauge or 16 gauge. I use dead soft wire that I work harden. Many wire artist use lighter gauge wire such as 20, 22 or 24 gauge for wrapping and I use these gauges ocassionally as well.
I prefer the heavier gauges because they are more durable and like sea glass they have a tactile quality. I often spiral the ends of the wire to finish a pendant and find that the heavier gauge wires make a spiral that has prescence and holds it's shape well.
To learn how to wire wrap it is best to experiment. This can be done with inexpensive wire such as copper. Start out with thinner gauges and practice on other items besides your sea glass. When you feel you are ready to wrap sea glass you may want to practice on the pieces that are not jewelry quality first. Once you are happy with your work then you can tackle one of your treasures.
The goal is to make jewelry that will last if properly cared for. The finished product should not be easy to unwrap or to pull apart. Other than that there is no right or wrong. It takes quite a bit of practice and a high tolerance for trial and error.
