Heart Shaped Pendant

This is the first project (well, two projects) from Stage 7 of the Silver program at Jewellery Training Solutions. Woohoo! I’m well over half way through the program now - only three more levels after this! I love hearts, and I’m excited to know how to make this setting. I needed extra practice, so I made both of the projects presented in this lesson. Hearts in my work are very special to me. My dad, as a hobby, is a fabulous woodworker, and he often incorporated hidden hearts into his work. I find myself doing the same, thinking of him each time.

What were the challenges?

Getting the heart shaped bezel for the stone to sit on shaped correctly was a real bear. Peter warned this was a difficult lesson - he wasn’t kidding! There isn’t much forgiveness in the size - it needs to be slightly smaller than the outer dimension of the heart. The project on the right slight tapers so that the bottom of the setting won’t be seen.

Where could I improve?

Finishing. Always finishing. It’s getting better, but I still have a long way to go. Stone-setting as well, although I feel like this was my most successful project yet. It feels so good to feel progress.

What did I learn?

I learned how to make the heart shaped setting - this was my first time prong setting a shaped stone. I also learned that you can split prongs, which could be a very cool effect. I also learned a different way to make the bail, with a pin instead of soldering the points together. I’ll definitely be using this technique more often, as it just works better. I’m so happy that soldering, especially precision solder, is really improving and not so torturous.