I've been wanted to make hoop earrings for the longest time. The truth is, I didn't know how to make a start, until now.
I began by making two hoops of silver, one for 5 lotus flowers and the other with 6.
I knew they would get heavy, so best to test things out; and for that reason, I went with the 5 flowered design.
Each lotus symbol was soldered into place, this became the master.
Once I had a mold and multiple casts made, the next task was to learn how to make the latch. This was very fiddly and to my suprise didn't involve soldering.
Rather hammering instead, which was incredibly satisfying once I got the hang of it.
I melted silver wire to create a ball, which is then hammered flat, this became the latch.
A whole was drilled in it, and a corosponding one in the earring. Then I lined them up. Remembering to make a recess with a burr for the hammered silver to fill; therefore keeping the mechanism in place whilst remaining articulated. I have avoided this for a long time, and you know what, I enjoyed it.
Next up, I needed to clean up all the casting lines and polish every surface of each earring.
I then went back in with the sulphur to oxidise the centre of each flower.
All were cast in solid sterling silver, and each received a hallmark at the London assay office.
This was one of the hardest things I've ever made! But very happy with the result.
Here's the making of video below...
Thanks for looking
Isabel
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