Bullet Catch

This is part of the fourth project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. This lesson is comprised of six different projects, a pair of earring and different types of clasps. I’m always search for different types of clasps. I love this one, and it was a lot of fun to make!

What were the challenges?

The most difficult part of this project is making sure that the wires on the side are absolutely straight and even, or the catch won’t work smoothly.

Where could I improve?

The two end plates aren’t completely symmetrical, but the one was a hair too small and I didn’t want to reduce the size of the other. I used tubing that I had on hand, and, while they fit together nicely, it would be better if the small tubing was a bit larger - there’s a bit of wiggle in the clasp.

What did I learn?

This was my first time making something with a spring, so I was really excited to make this project! This clasp is easy to use, and should be quite secure since there is no way it will pull apart.