Pendant Lesson Using Raw Brass

Functional elements such as bails and clasps are required in every project to make the piece wearable. Consider a pendant without a bail, for example. The pendant would not face forward if you simply threaded a ribbon or chain through its loop. Standard loops are attached to the top of the setting with the hole facing the same way as the setting, so a bail is needed to join the chain to the pendant loop. A bail is often the least attractive component in an otherwise fabulous design. A pretty pendant is missing something if only a simple large, rather ugly jump ring is used as a bail.

Failing to consider these elements' style can ruin the balance of an otherwise beautiful piece of jewelry. I believe that every part should complement the main focal point. As in architecture and interior design, some periods blend well and those which simply do not.

In this lesson, I've included some of the new raw brass pieces which just arrived. Raw brass is a great base metal that allows you to experiment with design elements, patinas, and even soldering if you wish.

The items pictured above were joined to form the base for a dramatic pendant. The long narrow embossed piece was formed into the shape of a bail and joined to the triangle with a loop and the openwork oval. I trimmed away some of the wide flat end so that it wouldn't interfere with the lie of the next piece.

I added a smaller oval filigree to the back to both cover the glue and reinforce the point where the pieces were joined. Remember to make the back of your piece as pretty as the front.

When you are happy with the basic shape of the pendant you have created, let the glue set for a full 24 hours. If you add stones to your pendant, you should add settings or bezels to hold the stones. Proper mounts or settings not only protect the stones but also add a finished, more professional look to your work.

Ensure the settings have a level place to rest. You may have to add a few more elements to the base for stability. The openwork square was the right shape to give the setting a more solid fit.

The next step will include adding patina, so the glue must have enough time to completely cure. I used E6000 glue, so I allowed the project to air dry for a full day before proceeding.

In this case, the aged patina is achieved by using flat black craft paint. You can experiment with numerous colors of paint, but I like the look of aged gilt. I applied paint to the whole piece and right away used an old cloth to wipe away most of the paint. The next step is to use a soft toothbrush to remove even more of the paint.

When you have achieved the level of antiquing you desire, you must seal the brass to preserve the finish. You can use several products for this, but our Renaissance wax polish is among the best for this purpose. Raw brass is great for manipulating and adding your own patinas, but if you fail to seal the piece, it will eventually turn to colors you may not like.

Now that you have assembled antiqued and sealed your pendant, you may add the beading, stones, and chain. Your work of art is ready to enjoy.

(List of materials by item number used in this project from http://www.vintagejewelrysupplies.com/)

R126A



Click on the image to enlarge.

T134A

T138A

A349R

G32R

M17R

S141R

W82R

R559

R257

T105A

L26

S27

T23

T105A

T208A
A04

WX65