Riveting, Forging, Fusing Oh My

I love riveting. It's no secret that it's one of my favorite techniques. I use them a lot. I also enjoy forging, but it's not so easy on the wrists, so I have to keep it to a minimum. That's why I only make one of these statement necklaces every now and then. It's a shame, because they are one of my favorite things to make. What I need is a hammerer... the lucky person can also do all photo touch ups. Now accepting volunteers. No one? Darn.

Riveted Copper Statement Necklace

To start this necklace I cut and formed several lengths of copper wire by wrapping them around wooden dowels of various sizes.

Necklace Layout

Next, I forged out the ends and any areas where a rivet would need room and added a similar hammered texture everywhere else.

Forged

Then it was time to drill holes at the ends of each piece, cut rivets, and ream out the edges of the holes with a larger drill bit to allow the rivets room to spread and grab the metal. As I began to assemble the piece I continued to drill as I went to ensure that everything would line up.

Riveting

I decided to assemble this piece in three segments to make sure it was as symmetrical as possible, but also because I needed it to fit in my small ultrasonic cleaner after it received a patina. I also took periodic measurements to make sure it was all coming together as planned.

For the chain I decided to go with a modification of the tear link chain from the Silver Works Studio website. Instead of creating the hammered and folded links I stopped at the fusing point.

The result was a bold statement piece. I'd say it looks great with a little black dress or jeans and a tank, but in my opinion, it's really all about the neck-piece. The clothes are the accessory.

I posted the making of this piece in real time on Instagram. It was fun. I may do it again. So follow me over there if you like. Username: metalmusing

Thanks for reading!

Introducing the Rosewater Collection

Rosewater
adjective: affectedly delicate, nice, or fine; sentimental
noun:( modifier ) elegant or delicate, especially excessively so.

Layers of riveted metal with rich patinas clutch large stones in these romantic statement pieces. Full of nostalgia and sentiment, the one of a kind statement pieces found in the Rosewater Collection are meant to be given as tokens of affection and passed down for generations.

The Rosewater Collection is available now in my Etsy Shop.

Thanks for reading!