shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
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Post by shermandukejewelry on Aug 4, 2016 12:06:56 GMT -5
Of the five I had cut two garnets sold at a profit of $120, after subtracting 2 x $20 cutting fee. The dog and I are heading back soon.
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shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
|
Post by shermandukejewelry on Aug 1, 2016 20:59:03 GMT -5
I want to make myself a ring with a 6x9mm ruby. The silver has a shrinkage of 8-12%. What is the best method of setting this gem?
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shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
|
Post by shermandukejewelry on Aug 1, 2016 20:36:12 GMT -5
Yeah, I taught how to make wire wrapped rings at a meetup group. I've only done one craft show. I sold 24 pieces and made $176 after expenses. My next venture will be setting a ruby into a silver clay ring. I don't feel confident enough yet. The clay has 8-12% shrinkage and I'm not sure about designing the prongs.
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shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
|
Post by shermandukejewelry on Jul 23, 2016 15:34:38 GMT -5
I've only been making Jewelry for about eight months. I sold 24 pieces at my only craft show. I have also taught one class. I am still learning and buying. I may have recouped 50% 0f my expenses. My problem is people would rather pay dirt for something out of China or Mexico. Once the weather cools down I'll apply for a weekend spot at a more upscale craft location. I am able to make wire rings or earrings while they wait and watch. I'm also going to learn low fire silver clay work. If I can create nice rings with embedded stones my prices will jump from $5-20 to $100 and beyond. I'm all ears for tips and suggestions.
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shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
|
Post by shermandukejewelry on Jul 22, 2016 21:27:17 GMT -5
No pictures, but polymer clay works great with stones. Push them into the design and pull enough clay over to lock it in. There is no shrinkage. I ordered a low fire silver clay kit a few days ago. That will shrink and I'll seek help in setting stones in rings soon. I have three rubies to work with, but can't afford mistakes at $75 per carat.
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shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
|
Post by shermandukejewelry on Jul 22, 2016 21:08:05 GMT -5
I price as high as my customers can/will pay, and then give slight discounts to frequent buyers.
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shermandukejewelry
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Retired, learning jewelry design
Member since July 2016
Posts: 93
|
Post by shermandukejewelry on Jul 22, 2016 20:15:31 GMT -5
Planning for a trip the first week of August to Blowing Rock and Ashland, NC. Meeting up with folks that will have to be enticed to participate in my pursuit for the perfect rock. Thought about visiting a couple of the mines with ---hides face--- salted buckets. Someone once talked up Gem Mountain to my kids. Maybe also gold panning. A member of our rock club said that the NC mines are all salted from the same vendor, anyone else heard this rumor? Anyone from this area? Any suggestions? Doc's Rocks on Mystery Hill Road in Blowing Rock. I bought two large buckets and got lots of rubies, sapphires, garnets, and many others. I had five sones cut. The prices are low and the quality is excellent.Those five alone were worth three times my trip expenses. If you do not get your value they give you free dirt to compensate. As for salting... they seemed impressed with my finds. The staff even tossed me several rubies that others disguarded as "rocks." They are dog friendly as well. I plan on going back when the weather cools. I'll have more stones/crystals cut. They can also set the gems at a great price and mail them(fully insured.) Lots of fun. Save
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