Here’s my first attempt at creating a short video showing how i make my Australian Boulder Opal pendants… this took me almost as long as making the pendant itself! I have recorded many film clips over the years of different stages of silver smithing but it’s the first time i’ve sat down and linked a set altogether.
The video shows how I take Sterling silver sheet and wrap it round the Boulder Opal to form a bezel. Once joined together, i solder a piece of silver sheet on the top and file it to size. Then i cut out a window which will reveal the stone – similiar to a picture frame. After this i concentrate on creating the bale from which the silver pendant will hang.
Finally i work on creating the backplace which holds the stone in place once the outer silver of the frame is pushed over it. Then…. lots and lots of cleaning up and polishing!
Anyway – have a look at the video for yourselves… I’ve tried not to make it too long and to just show the key parts .. hopefully you’ll enjoy watching it!