Making Bearclaw Bracelets
Making Bearclaw Bracelets
– gold paws appliquéd on silver base
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Making Bearclaw Bracelets – This is the Procedure for a 1″ Bearclaw Bracelet with 3 – 14k gold paws appliquéd,
(soldered), on. An Appliqué Ring has about twice as many steps due to the soldering, grinding, cleaning and bending process…twice as much work for half the size. Both appliqué metals are 1mm thick |
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This shows the difference between silver and gold.
The 2 outside strips are silver , with 14k white gold in the center left and 14k yellow gold on the center right.
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Making Bearclaw Bracelets – Appliqued pieces1. The gold is cut or punched from a sheet |
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2. The design is laid out with a ruler and a circle
template 3. The metal is cut out with a very thin jewelers saw, hence, the blade is about as wide as a sewing needle. |
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4. The cut out pieces are filed and
sanded clean with 400 grit sand paper |
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5. As a result, the pieces are laid out and
ready to solder |
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6. After a bath of flux they are soldered
together |
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7. It is buffed , ( and most of all , buffed again), to remove any scale. The pre-buffing also assures that the piece is not over buffed after being engraved |
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8. Ready for engraving |
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9. The strip is laid out on a ‘block’ and held on with jewelers cement. The block rotates in all directions |
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10. Making Bearclaw Bracelets – engraving and finishingThe engraving is done with these small chisels called gravers that fit in the palm of the hand and are pushed around the metal. |
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11. The finished engraved bracelet |
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12. The corners are cut and rounded off, filed
and sanded. The piece is signed on the back and attached back to the block if any inscription is to be done on the inside. |
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13. Another buffing to remove any scratches on the inside before it is bent |
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14. Using a dapping block the piece is pounded into shape. As a result, his pounding ‘work hardens’ it and gives it the spring and strength it needs. I cover the piece with an old leather belt so I don’t mark it again. |
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15. Finally it is buffed on the face and edges, but most importantly, without removing or rounding off the sharp engraved lines and edges |
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16. Boiled in hot water and dish soap and then into the Ultrasonic cleaner to remove any buffing compound. |
17. Wipe it dry and off to another happy customer. |

Bearclaw Jewelry,
Telephone No.604-614-1853