It was somewhat mesmerizing to watch Costa Rican wire artist Sol Antic make his sun rays around a cabochon! He does this by eye. I had to watch several times just to see how he uses his pliers not just to hold the wire before bending but also as a gauge to spacing. I suggest you watch it with the playback speed in the settings down to 0.5!
He uses a grooved cabochon which makes it easy to situate the rays. You will have to adapt the design with a bit more wire work if you cannot find a grooved cabochon. Another option is to use the technique for other jewelry designs - not necessary as a surround for a cabochon. Check here to find grooved cabochons.
He also uses a stress technique to cut his wires. The only time he used his wire cutter was right at the end!
His other tutorial shows a much more even approach to making the rays :
In this variation, he makes the pendant into a flower!
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Fascinating! I love the results too! I know I'd wear a pendant like that in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteWhat an extraordinary technique!
ReplyDeleteIs it possible to use a string of beads in the groove? I don't work well with wire but can see an easier and sturdier way of bezeling a cabochon which I like the look of but always have trouble getting the stone to stay inside the bezel.
ReplyDeleteThat is a brilliant idea, Wayne. It will depend on how deep and wide the groove is. Perhaps with 15/0 beads? Once you get that first row done then making a beaded bezel becomes easier to start.
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