Tube Cluster Ring

This is the first project from Stage 10 of the Apprentice program at Jewellery Training Solutions, the final stage of the training program. These projects have all intimidated me from day one, so I’m needing to give myself an extra push for these. This training course has been phenomenal, though, since each skill is built upon in such a structured way, these, while challenging, are definitely achievable. This one was a true soldering challenge!

What were the challenges?

This project was a true soldering challenge. The project originally calls for 3.5 mm stones, but I had the bright idea that it would be better to use 2.5 mm stones so it wouldn’t be as big. I do love small and delicate. While that might not seem like a big difference, it really made for some small, close work. I love how it turned out, though, so I’m glad I did it. First the tubes have to be all soldered together - that’s 13 soldered joints right there. Then all the wires have to be placed and soldered, then all of the ends of the wires have to be soldered together to form the basket.

Where could I improve?

I’m actually quite happy with how this ring turned out. Unfortunately, as I was doing the final clean up under the microscope after setting the stones, I realized that one of the wires is not soldered to the end of the basket. I can potentially go back in and fix it since these are CZ’s, but I’m a bit nervous about doing that. This is wearable for me (happens to be my size again - I finally got smart), and not for sale anyway. I was very happy with how the stones fit in place. The outside of the tubes could be cleaned up better, too.

What did I learn?

I am excited to know how to make this type of shoulder. This project came with a choice of two different styles, and I was excited to try something new. Learning to create this setting was great, and I look forward to making a pending similar to this soon.