Cinnamon Jewellery

The second in a short series of useful tips, this time ~ Oxidising Sterling Silver & Copper jewellery Whether you oxidise your jewellery or not is a personal choice. I prefer the look of oxidised or "antiqued" Sterling Silver and copper wirework as it adds depth and highlights detail. What you will need ~ Liver of Sulphur You can buy Liver of Sulphur in liquid or solid form. I say "solid" but it's really powdery chucks. I prefer the solid form as it is more economical. I buy mine on eBay and it can also be found on jewellery supply sites. Steel/Wire Wool 0000 or 00000 Grade which can be found in DIY stores Oxidising your jewellery Before you start, close the kitchen door and open the back door (wide!) Yes the clue is in the name Sulphur and it stinks like rotten eggs! Dissolve a small piece of Liver of Sulphur in hot but not boiling water in a small bowl. I keep a bowl especially for oxidising. Avoid touching the Liver of Sulphu...

This is the first in a series of handy info and tips for anyone interested in making Wirework jewellery. First of all let me explain that I am by no means an expert in Wirework! I've been making Wirework jewellery for nearly three years and am self~taught: everything I have learnt has come from the internet, books and DVDs. But I have so much more to learn and so much more practising to do! First things first ~ Tools There is a wide variety of jewellery making tools available for Wirework, some are absolutely necessary, some you can live without! Pliers You need several different types of pliers for Wirework ~ these are the pliers I use everytime I make a piece of Wirework jewellery ~ Roundnose Pliers ~ for creating loops and round bends Chainnose Pliers ~ for creating bends, tucking in ends of wire and holding the wire Flatnose pliers ~ for creating bends, holding the wire whilst making spirals, flattening wire Wi...