Photo Jewelry

[ashleyjankowski]

I am interested in making photographic jewelry and can't seem to figure out where to begin. I am not so interested in photo clay tiles as I am in framed pendants like the ones found here: Laura Marsh

I guess I am just not sure where to begin - where to buy supplies, books to buy etc. I am looking for sterling pieces. I hope someone can help with this. Thanks!

[Polly]

Hi Ashley,

I'm not sure how to do the jewelry that you linked.  
However, we do have some sterling frames.  The picture frame charms I think are more what you're looking for -- you can simply slide a photo into them.  You may want to experiment with laminating the photos, for protection and/or to make them the proper thickness to "stay put" for your customers.  A few lamination methods I can think of are using a comercial laminator of the type we use to laminate sheets of paper, for signs.  Or, a decoupage product such as Mod Podge, found at most craft stores (and used to preserve puzzles).

--Polly

[Metalman]

I wish I could see the back of one of these. they look like they are either bezel set, using traditional metalsmithing techniques or they may also be done with clear casting resin. Traditional methods would support this theory. The resin theary would account for the waterproof claim. To know for sure, one needs to look at one in hand/person.
Alternatively - this gives you some ideas for pendants & charms, a browse through some of the jewelry magazines or tech books ought to help with methods.
The best basic metalsmithing book for things like bezels, etc. would be Tim McCreight's book 'The Complete Metalsmith' [R&T#62-010]

[ashleyjankowski]

I think the back is flat silver - at least in the bracelets. I have ordered a pendant to check it out. It looks like a setting that you would inlay a gem into, but it does look like resin was put over the photograph. I am pretty sure that the setting is pre-made and the photos are placed in and covered with resin. I think what I am looking for are emplty pendant settings (with no gem) Then I customize the size and shape- just can't seem to find where to get them. I am not sure I am up to casting the silver and getting that involved, but thanks for the book link - it could come in handy.

[Metalman]

That helps. Looking at the pricing and knowing that the back is solid, I would say that these are what are called bezel cups. You would buy those from jewelsmithing/metalsmithing supply. They are generally die struck, by machine. The fittings and/or bails, etc. to hold them on to whatever you are making are silver brazed on [also called silver soldering].
This requires a torch, flux, solder and pickle. Details for this activity are in the  'The Complete Metalsmith' book.

[Polly]

Although this isn't photo jewelry, it might relate:
http://www.lulusmith.com
Lulu Smith does resin jewely, and recently gave a talk (which I missed) in Spokane.  Her types of settings, and her methods, might work well for photo jewelry as well.

--Polly

i have been looking at a lot of sites today, and tho i am ashamed to admit that i have no clue as to which supplier it was, i saw crystal lockets in various shapes which are probably very similar to what you are looking for......if i can think of it i will lwill let you know, but maybe do a search for them....

[ashleyjankowski]

thanks alot - I am doing more research to find all the pieces I need.

[ashleyjankowski]

Metalman - which Metalsmith book do you recommend? Student, Illustrated or Professional?

Also if I wanted to make an odd shape - I would probably have the make the bezel cups myself, right? And do you have any idea what type of photographic paper & printing method can stand the resin?

[Metalman]

The Student level book will cover your needs but the Pro version is great and comes with a CD with additional books and info on it. We can special order the Pro version if you wish.
Making odd shape bezel cups is quite reasonable to do. The Art Clay Silver materials would be quite adaptable to this part of your project.
As to resins, papers and processes - I am not experienced. Testing will be in order. The copy machine processes that use heat to melt the pigments onto the paper are probably more stable then the ink jet methods but the resins are generally solvent based and may dissolve any or all of the 'inks'. I would expect  black & white process photos to be quite stable for these processes.
When working with the resins, remember to use good ventilation, they can be pretty 'fumey'

Pictures can also be printed permanently onto clear film. Jewellery can be made that way, but also with an added resin top.  Check out www.allegria.com.au as they do just that, on pendants, cuff links, etc.  I have seen them, but have no idea just how waterproof they actually are.  They talk just a little about the method on the site.