Jewelry 1 Projects
Mrs. Mizanin
1. Wire Repetition- A formed and soldered wire ring is constructed from 18-gauge silver round wire.
Two wire segments formed into a flat repeated pattern and soldered at multiple locations for design
strength. The design needs to be sized and soldered into a band ring shank without any overlapping
areas.
2. Sculptural Rings-Express three different linear (wire) designs showing movement within and around a
three dimensional space. The first design should be made from an eight inch long, 14 gauge round
wire, folded at the middle. Form the shank at the fold so you have a circle, sized to fit your finger. The
remaining two wire ends standing above the fold at the top of the shank can be formed into your
sculpture above. The ends must be soldered down for safety, continuity of design, and structural
strength. You should also solder loose areas to secure your design and make it archival. The second
design involves oval five elements, crimped in the middle and soldered together at the shank. The top
half is separated into a cage and soldered for stability. Both rings can have organic shaped stones
inserted into the spaces created by the 3-d space.
3. Forged Wire Bracelet- A forged 10 gauge copper, brass, or nickel round wire is formed into a bracelet
creating transitions. Alternating thin and thick line variations are viewed from the side and the top.
Forging vertical flat areas are transitioned into horizontal flat areas. Ends are round or curled.
4. Twisted Bracelet- A 10 gauge square wire is hot twisted with torch, pole vise, and vise grips to create a
repetition of an alternation right and left pattern for a bracelet. Ends are rounded and curled. Finish
with emery paper to contrast edges with dark surfaces.
5. Sheet Metal Radial Design- A radial design for a pendant is stamped into a 1 ¼” circle. Your design
should be planned on paper with a ruler and compass. Use letter and number stamps to create a
repetitious pattern, radiating from the center in 22 gauge nickel silver.
6. Sheet Metal Pierced- A radial design repeating one symbol for a pendant is pierced by drilling and
sawing. Your symbol is repeated six (6) times within a circle. Glue your design to a 1 ¼” – 1 ¾”
square of 20 gauge sheet metal. Depending on your design, you can sweat soldering it to another metal
bottom plate of a different color. You can dome all of it or parts of it, form it, and/or stamp it. Edges
are filed and the project is finished by sanding and polishing.
7. Tapered Wire- A 12 gauge copper, nickel or brass is tapered at each end with a file. Both ends are
then curled into spirals and the wire is formed into a ring or bracelet. A 14 gauge can also be spiraled
and formed into a “bail” design used to hang a pendant.
8. Bezel- A bezel container is fabricated for a cabochon stone, or a combination of wood and plastic
parts. The flat bezel wire (28 gauge silver) is wrapped around the stone and soldered with “hard” solder
without the stone. The bezel is shaped and/or stretched around an “oval” mandrel to obtain the proper
fit for the stone. The bottom plate (2 gauge nickel) or “table” is then attached to the bezel with
“medium” solder and trimmed. The complete bezel unit is soldered with “easy” solder to a “tapered
band ring shank”. The stone is then placed into the bezel, which is gently hammered to secure the stone
in place.
9. Double Shank wire ring – A double shank rink is created with 16 or 14 gauge wire 10” or linger. The
wire is folded in half and forged on the bent end to hold in place while shaping, curling, looping,
wrapping longer loose ends in an abstract form. Line, movement, positive, negative spaces are
discussed and observed. How can you create a solid space in design? What materials can be used to
create this space? Ends of wire ring armature are tucked into design to continue movement of shape.
10. Three pieces of scrap metal are found to incorporate into design for jewelry. Retain the best parts of
the found material and fix the bad parts. Accent or frame shapes with wire and stones.
11. A striped band ring will include a “marriage” of copper, brass and/or nickel sheet “sweat-soldered” to a
silver background. Soldering with binding wire. Filing, sanding and polishing will be learned. (Worth
one (1) grade.) To express a design of water waves, sunbursts, zigzag, or diamond patterns, you will
need to glue two metals together and saw out your design. (Worth two (2) grades.)
12. Bi-metal Twist Milled and Drawn Bracelet or Ring- A “married metals” ring or bracelet is twisted
with two wires of different colors together and solder, milled, sanded, and polished. Two students can
work together.
13. Silver Beads and Balled Ends- Small granules of sterling silver fill spaces and form patterns for
appliqué. Size variations can transition gradually from large to small. Protect sharp wire ends by
rounding with a torch.
An “A” student is someone who:
Is almost never tardy or absent without good reason;
Makes good use of class time in addition to time outside of class;
Completes all the projects turned in on time;
Does more than what is asked by the teacher;
Completes a design plan in a sketch book showing a commitment for short and long
term goals for their project;
Chooses appropriate tools and work areas for the task, showing respect for tools,
equipment, fellow students and teachers, and helps to keep the room organized;
Makes their own original work based on critical thinking, research, and is willing to
take risks to improve their work;
Sticks with the project until completed;
Tries hard to be the best they can be regardless of abilities;
Interacts with and shows respect for other students and the teacher;
Listens to suggestions on how to improve the quality of their work;
Has confidence that their concerns matter and their work has value;
Pays attention to announcements from the teacher, and keeps and reads all handouts for
reference;
Realizes there is something to be learned from everyone in every situation.
Takes responsibility for their own education;
An “A” student does not:
Have unexcused tardies or absences;
Waste time in class by talking to neighbors while working on your project;
Have down time in class while waiting for help, tools, or equipment;
Talk or interrupt while the teacher is addressing the class;
Turn in work done by someone else or copy directly from another’s art work;
Make their “grade” the main focus of the class rather than the work to be done;
Have a negative attitude toward the teacher or the other students;
Spend class time doing homework;
Ignore the teacher and rarely ask for help;
Leave a mess, tools or trash on the tables and floors when the bell rings to leave;
Work with inappropriate tools outside of designated areas for specialized operations;
Appear unengaged or not focused on the class or with your project;
Worry about the past or the future, but the present and what will further their
education each hour of each day;