Final Touches | March Meet the Maker | Day 6
Honestly, there’s waaaay more interesting steps before these finishing touches happen. But I will say, the finishing touches feel the absolute most satisfying, for sure! I think there may be a release of endorphins, or a natural dopamine hit during this final stage 😂
Stone setting can be the most satisfying, and nerve wracking, all at the same time. It’s the moment when I realize, I’ve made it through the molding and firing (without melting anything beyond repair), and I’m at a make or break scenario. Can I be firm enough to set the stones securely? Or will I get impatient and apply too much force at a weak point, breaking the stone? I’ve broken a few very lovely stones, shed some tears, cursed a bit, and learned some valuable lessons.
✨I don’t set stones at the end of a long day.
✨I make sure to work the bezel following opposing directions, N-S-E-W.
✨I use dental floss to test the stone’s secure fit before the final setting.
✨If I accidentally break one stone, I don’t proceed in attempting to set the matching stone the same way (resulting in two breaks instead of just one).
✨An earring can still become a necklace if it’s mate gets broken. But a stone intending to be a necklace can’t be much of anything once it’s broken.
#stonesetting #ooak #showmeyourearrings #fossils #oneofakindjewelry #marchmeetthemaker2023 #918makers #arkansasnative #ozarks #madeintheozarks
