Cluster Pendant

This is the final project from Stage 8 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, a stage dedicated to learning advanced cutting skills and advanced setting construction. I made it!! This level was very challenging, and with 11 projects it took me a while to get through. My skills really grew, though, as I worked through these projects, and I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment.

What were the challenges?

The most challenging part of this project was to get the symmetry, on both sides. Also the flush setting was a definite challenge.

Where could I improve?

I could definitely improve on the symmetry. Some of the petals on the back are off a bit, and after I was finished I realized that some of the stones are not quite centered in the petals.

What did I learn?

I learned how to make this very cool bail - I know I’ll be using this one in future projects. While I know how to flush set stones, this lesson taught me a different method of setting them. I struggled, but I got it down by the last stone. I also love that Peter shows how to fit things together before soldering - like rather than simply soldering on a jump ring, making a jump ring at the end of a piece of wire and inserting that into a hole. Makes the solder joint more secure and is much easier to place correctly.