Congratulations on a job well done by Lydia Thein. This quadruple loop in loop chain was made with 22 gauge wire on a 5/16 dowel. This is a signature JAI piece and an essential part of the learning process. Each link is coiled, cut, butted together and fused closed. Fusing shut 22 gauge wire is a delicate process. I prefer to use a white non-asbestos board for fusing links. It maintains it flatness after repeated uses and really is a great support. The joint must be beautifully aligned AND the link must be resting flat on the board. Many student focus on butting the ends together which IS vital but forget about the link laying perfectly flat. Any part of the link that is up a bit and not touching the board will get hotter than the rest of the link and will start to melt while you only want the seam to fuse. I also hold my flame vertically IN FRONT of the seam, not on it. You can “tickle” the flame forward on the joint and fuse. Usually if the flame is directly on the seam it will over melt before you have time to react and pull the flame off. Also, NEVER use links that are slightly lumpy. What happens is that the number of links needed overwhelms people and they start using links they should reject. If the link is slightly overdone and has a lump that means it has a thinner spot somewhere else and will most likely snap when you weave. We will talk about the weaving another day but please take a moment to appreciate all the fine work Lydia did. I’ll say it again, well done!
jeanettecaines
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Interesting! I guess it is the reduced copper content that makes it work? That is what makes jewelry making so fascinating to me, the endless evolution. Thanks!
That’s really lovely and good work indeed. I love loop in loop chains and find them very therapeutic to make. I love to make them from Argentium sterling, which fuses beautifully.