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Riveted Link Earrings

(registration instructions below)

Explore the process of riveting with my custom pre-drilled blanks!  I have created a series of unique copper and silver blanks that work together to make these great 2-tone links.  The holes are all pre-drilled for you, so you can focus on learning the art of riveting.  Once you craft your links, I will show you how to transform the links into a great pair of earrings by forming and forging a bead dangle and ear wires.  This is a wonderful project filled with basic skills.  Once you get the riveting down, you can utilize these links in more elaborate projects.  The Riveted Links Bracelet offers a recipe with a unique chain-maille pattern joining them.

Discipline:  Riveting

The use of a metal pin or tube to fasten pieces of metal together.

Level:  Beginner (*)

This project is considered beginner because the parts are provided for you complete with accurately drilled holes, allowing you to focus on the art of riveting.

Secondary Discipline:  Wire-working

Working with precious/semi-precious wire to form jewelry components.

Level:  Beginner (*)

Basic forging and forming skills presented in this project.

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 $50/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?

Project Materials:

Kit (available for sale in class for $54)
  • 1″ (or so)length of 16ga wire (allows a bit extra for flush cutting)
  • (4) 3mm crimp tubes (Rio # 630193)
  • 2 sets (fronts and backs) of Jen’s custom Riveted Link Blanks
  • (2) 2.25″ lengths of 20ga sterling silver wire
  • (2) 1.25″ lengths of 18ga sterling silver wire
  • (2) 6mm round beads that fit snug on 18ga wire
  • (2) 5mm sterling silver rondelle beads

Tools:  (inquire about renting tools if you are not equipped)

  • Jewelry grade file(s) – (needle files are fine for this project)
  • Flush cutter
  • Dividers (optional)
  • Tube cutting jig (optional)
  • Utility hammer
  • Embossing hammer
  • Ball pein, chasing or other hammer with a nice small round head
  • Steel Block/ silencing pad
  • Sharpie markers (ultra fine point AND fine point)
  • Chain-nose jewelry pliers
  • Flat-nose jewelry pliers
  • Bail-making pliers (Beadsmith #PL42)
  • Stepped pliers (Beadsmith #PL48)
  • Sanding sponges/ Slurry coated polishing cloths/ Polishing pad (also available for sale in class)
  • 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. 🙂

The following will be provided for your use in class, but if you have them – bring them so you won’t have to wait to use them:

  • Sheet magnet
  • Hole punches (1/8″ and smaller)
  • Pin vise with a 2mm ball bur, 4mm ball bur, and  2.1mm(16ga), 1.7mm(18ga), and 1.3mm(20ga) cup burs
  • Bur life or other silicone lubricant
  • Digital Calipur (.001″ accuracy)
  • Transfer punch (13/64″ diameter)
  • Heavy duty file (for preparing the punch)
  • Bamboo skewer

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.