Forming A Sphere - Lapidary Journal, Jewelry Journal Workshop

Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist: Gems, Beads, Jewelry Making and more

Forming a Sphere
By Holly Lee
Intermediate-to-advanced metalsmithing project.

The sphere is a vital component in much of my jewelry (see “Spheres of Influence,” this issue). Use your own creativity to incorporate it into your designs.

Scribe
Dapping block
Punch
Hammer
File
Flux
Solder
Torch
Sheet silver
Sandpaper

For information on supplies, please see the Annual Buyers' Directory.

Photos: Holly Lee
Instructional photos: Douglas Lee

STEP 1.
Decide what size sphere you wish to make. Once you have determined this, use a scribe to mark the circle that is to be cut out.

< STEP 2.
Cut out 2 circles (disks) of the same size.

< STEP 3.
Anneal the 2 matching disks. You will need to repeat this process of annealing many times throughout the making of your sphere. Step5

STEP 4.
Once your disks are properly annealed, place them in the dapping block, using a size of hole that is closest to the size of your disk. Use a punch that will accommodate the least amount of strokes with the hammer to achieve a half-dome.

Before you move on to the next size hole, go back and anneal your domes.

STEP 5.
Repeat STEP 4, going down a size each time until you have 2 hemispheres that will make a complete sphere when the edges are placed on top of one another.

<- STEP 6.
File down the edges of your hemispheres until when joined, they fit perfectly together

STEP 7. ->
Flux the edges of your hemispheres, then solder together.

STEP 8.
File and sand the joint of the sphere you have just soldered together.

STEP 9.
For the holes, use drill bits from a local hardware store. Mark hole placement with a felt-tip pen or marker, then drill into the sphere using a flex-shaft tool mounted with the chosen drill bit. Sand down the rough edges.

Holly Lee is a central-Pennsylvania-based jeweler. She exhibits at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, and participates in many craft shows throughout the year.

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