Forged Wave Link Earrings

A Measuring Charts Made Easy Project: Stage 1 & 2

Forming – Forging – Heat patina

Make a statement with these elegant forged wave link earrings!  The dynamic look of the forged wave sets these simple wire dangles apart.  I will show you how to chart this form using the Measuring Charts Made Easy (Stages 1&2) curriculum, however, I will provide the measuring charts needed to complete these earrings in class.  So if you haven’t taken the Measuring Charts Made Easy Classes yet, you can still create this project.  If you have already taken MCME Stages 1 & 2,  I will share my favorite curve/wire ratios for you to add to your reference library.  The reason I chose to present this as an earring project, is to showcase how to form the wave component as a mirror image to itself.  This technique will allow you to explore using the variations of the links in a wider array of projects.  The earrings above feature handmade ear wires and a copper blank with a heat patina, however the main focus of the project is the actual wave link.  You can feel free to layer your links over textured silver or let the link stand on it’s own.
 

 Where?

Desert Jewel Studio, 26839 N 44th St, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. You will receive directions upon registering for class.

When?

This class is not on the schedule at this time.  If you are interested in taking it, e-mail jen@jewelryclasseswithjen.com with your interest and availability.

How do I sign up?

Class will be $55/person. E-mail jen@jewelryclasseswithjen.com or call Jen at (480)635-2402 to register any time from noon to 10pm.

What will I need to bring to class?

($12 kit for sale in class)

  • 4″ length of 16ga dead soft sterling silver wire
  • (1) pair of hand-made ear wires
  • (2) 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ pieces of 24ga copper sheet

MCME Reference: ( The instructions will include my measurements, but if you want to customize the patterns for your own tools…)

  • Measuring tool for teardrop rollback loop – 16ga/ stepped pliers – small step
  • Measuring tool for U Curves – 16ga/ stepped pliers – small step
  • Measuring tool for Diameter Curves – 16ga/ bail pliers large side and wrap n’ tap pliers medium step

Tools:

  • Flush cutter
  • File(s) – needle files are fine for this project
  • Wrap n’ tap pliers (Beadsmith # PL46 or Eurotool equivalent – 13mm,16mm,20mm steps)
  • Bail pliers (Beadsmith #PL42)
  • Stepped pliers (Beadsmith #PL48)
  • Chain-nose pliers
  • Flat pliers
  • Sharpie marker (ultra fine tip)
  • pin vise fitted with a twin cut cup bur for 16ga wire (1.7mm) and a 2.5mm round bur
  • silicone lubricant
  • ruler
  • 1.5mm hole punch
  • Embossing hammer
  • Steel block/ silencing pad
  • Texture hammer (optional)
  • Pear-shaped forming hammer
  • 3M sanding sponges/ slurry coated polishing cloths
  • Magnifying glasses– most people don’t think they need them until they are faced with seeing the detail of jewelry close-up.
  • Covered water or other refreshing beverage
  • Snacks are always welcome as well. 🙂

 

I will supply the following for your use in class:
  • Butane torch/heat proof surface
  • Nikolas spray lacquer
  • Spray box

The majority of the above items are available locally at C&D Silver, SJ Jewelry Supply, Lonnie’s Jewelry Supply or other on-line jewelry supply sources. If you have any difficulty or questions about obtaining any of these items, please contact Jen to inquire about your options.