Chain with clasp as focal point project

I've got my wax carved and almost ten inches on my chain.  I need thirteen so I have a number of hours to go yet weaving links.

The wax turned out, closing and latching as intended, but the stone setting has become problematic.  I initially intended a chrysoberyl, but it is yellow and doesn't fit with the project in silver.  I have a couple of small blue-green emeralds that would go nicely with the silver, but would require a complete re-design of the clasp.  Not sure I have time for that, but do have some drawings.

Chain Project

Second set of drawings for the Chain with Clasp as Focal Point  project have been submitted and are posted below.  I had trouble with an idea for this project, but was inspired by a piece done previously with similar religious iconography and Middle East influence.  So now I have a "theme" and expect to get a lot of design mileage out it.  (Just kidding Prof. N! )

The two parts are intended to interlock in a flush manner and remain so until actively removed.  I am going to try to carve these out of wax, but they could be fabricated if need be.  I hope to add a bit more texture and dimension with the casting method.

The terminations are planned to be tubular, possibly tapered and integral with the clasp
.
The chain will be choker length and the double loop in loop Etruscan pattern we started as a sampler.

I would like to mount a stone on one half of the clasp and have a small cats-eye chrysoberyl in mind.

Chain project sample  - Etruscan chain or double loop in loop. 

Got the two end pieces solder to the copper rod and started constructing the chain.  This is an exercise in hand -eye co-ordination as you need to know exactly how much to use your brass rod to expand the links in order to fit the next link between.  Having the rod sharpened, polished and with a slight hook on the end facilitates the process greatly.  Attention to applying the same amount of tension to each and every link helps in getting a consistent result. 

I found that approximately 14 links will produce about a half inch of chain.  Up to 4 1/4 inches, hours to go.

Forming the loops prior to assembly helps a lot as well.  Compressing one end to help slide between the prior loop assists in ease of assembly, otherwise you end up spending too much time trying to wiggle one link between the next.  Getting into a rhythmic pattern of production is essential or you could spend way too much time on this project.  Fussy, OCD work. 

Chain Project

Next up is a chain project, to be done in silver with a clasp as the focal point of the piece. First set of drawings due tomorrow. Thinking about using Mokume and a stone.

We have been given demonstrations of the technique for fusing 22 gauge fine silver links and the list of necessary tools and supplies we'll need for this next few weeks.  Having seen the slides of previous students work for this project I have to say I feel a bit intimidated, but will persevere nonetheless.

I have started with the fusing and tried a number of links.  The key seems to be in getting a sharp, flush edge on the cut ends of the wire and lining them up perfectly.  Not easy for bad eyes.  The neat thing is that you don't need solder and if done correctly, the joint is nearly invisible. 

                                                      The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

I need to get some more containers, I want my solder holders back.