Here is a tip for working with gallery wire from @didirosejewelry - “I cut the gallery wire at a point where it'll look like part of the design after soldering, then solder it with a small flame. A micro torch is my go to. Then I wrap the border wire around the bezel with the stone in & then remove it and solder that separately. Measure & saw out the back plate. Sand all the sides, front & back before flowing solder all around it. I avoid going too close to the edge.
Last step is to put all the pieces together & spray cupronil generously on everything before soldering. I heat from underneath using a tripod until the solder starts to reflow then move my torch over the piece from the top to help the solder flow evenly!” There are multiple tips within this one, I love that she also checks everything is properly soldered by giving her work a good flick! Benedicta is a Black jeweler and member of our community. I wanted to share some of her story and a little bit about her work and inspirations. Please check out her work to learn more about her work! When did you start making jewelry? “I started making jewelry in 2003 & made the progression to metalsmithing in August 2017.“ What inspires your work? “I’m inspired by people mostly. Curves, lines, personality... “ Which is your favorite piece? “My favorite piece will be the chrysoprase earrings. I'm a huge fan of bold stud earrings & those are bold/my favorite color which is green.” Thank you so much for sharing with us!