Okay, here we go. Let me tell you about how I made some platinum diamond stud earrings. It was a journey, let me tell ya!
First off, I had this idea in my head. Simple, classic diamond studs in platinum. I’d seen some in stores, but they were either crazy expensive or just didn’t quite hit the mark. So, I thought, “Why not try making them myself?” Famous last words, right?
The first thing I did was a ton of research. I watched YouTube videos about jewelry making, read articles on platinum smithing (turns out it’s different from working with gold!), and generally tried to soak up as much knowledge as I could. Honestly, I felt like I was back in school!
Next up: materials. I sourced some platinum grain from a reputable supplier. You gotta be careful with platinum; you want to make sure you’re getting the real deal. I also ordered a couple of brilliant cut diamonds, carefully checking their clarity and color grades. I wanted these earrings to sparkle!
Alright, now for the fun part (or so I thought). I melted the platinum grain using a torch. Let me tell you, platinum has a super high melting point. My little torch was working overtime! I cast the platinum into small ingots, which I then hammered and rolled into wire. This was seriously hard work. My arms were aching!
Then came the tricky bit: forming the settings for the diamonds. I used a small saw to cut the platinum wire, and then carefully filed and shaped it into the bezels that would hold the diamonds. Getting the size and shape just right was a pain. Too small, and the diamond wouldn’t fit. Too big, and it would be loose. I probably ruined a couple of bezels before I got it right.
Once I had the bezels, I soldered them onto posts to create the earring studs. Platinum soldering is a whole different beast. You need special solder and a really hot torch. I messed up a few times and had to redo the solder joints. Practice makes perfect, I guess!
Now for the really nerve-wracking part: setting the diamonds. I carefully placed each diamond into its bezel and then used a setting tool to gently push the platinum over the edges of the stone, securing it in place. This takes a lot of patience and a steady hand. One slip, and you could chip or scratch the diamond.
After the diamonds were set, I polished the earrings to a high shine. Platinum is naturally a bit dull, but with a good polish, it really comes to life. I used a polishing wheel and some polishing compound to get them gleaming.
Finally, I added the earring backs. I used friction backs, which are simple and secure. I soldered them onto the posts, making sure they were perfectly aligned.
And there you have it! My very own platinum diamond stud earrings. It was a challenging project, but also incredibly rewarding. They’re not perfect, but I made them with my own two hands, and that makes them special.
- Learned a lot about platinum smithing
- Patience is key
- Don’t be afraid to experiment
Would I do it again? Maybe. But next time, I might start with a simpler project!
