Above is my first attempt at granulation with Argentium Sterling® silver. Because it is so easy to fuse AS, I decided to try granulation (my first attempt with any metal). Everything on this pendant was fused, no solder what so ever. Even the bail was fused. The piece is about the size of a US nickel. This was accomplished using a completely fusion process to prevent contaminating the Argentium®.
Here are a few things I noted while making the pendant.
1. I am going to need a smaller brush to more accurately place the granules.
2. If the piece is granulated after doming, the piece must be supported from the bottom to prevent the piece from slumping during heating.
3. Do not move the piece when it is too hot. This will result in the metal breaking.
4. Care must be taken during buffing to prevent the granules from being worn down. You may wish to just use a brass brush to buff the piece.
3 comments:
Hi Marty,
I think you did fantastically well on your first granulation effort! Your comments about what you learned seem exactly correct, too. One definitely needs to support Argentium when it is being granulated or fused, since it is so close to the melting temperature.
Rather than polish, try tumbling the finished piece. If you have access to a magnetic pin polisher, that would probably be perfect for getting around all the granules without abrading them. (Protect the stone with tape, if it is already set)
Best wishes,
Cynthia Eid
P.S. Anne Hollerbach recently told me that she had success with doming after granulation!
I did some granulation with AS and LOVED it. Your is wonderful I didn't put a stone on the first one. You really went for it! BRAVO!!
Post a Comment