On my bench - 9/23/23
Three of my "Garden Bracelets" cast and fabricated sterling silver. Turquoise beads, miscellaneous waxes in progress, and my faithful digital caliper. Yesterday I finished soldering the bracelet without patina. I used 16 gauge and 18 gauge round wire for the links. The 16 gauge was overkill and I think I will use 18 gauge from now on. I used Argentium silver for the links. It was a pain. When some of the links fused together in the chain and I was attempting to unfused them - moving the Argentium when hot caused it to self-destruct. I have known this about Argentium but this is the first time it has ever gotten in my way. It does not let me repair my mistakes easily. So I think I will pass on Argentium from now on too. I'll just use up my stock. Tom, my husband, recommended patina on these and I now agree. I like grayed tones of the Liver of Sulfur patina. It suits my dark, dark soul.
