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<=> <=> <=> <=> E-BENCH <=> <=> <=> <=>
The E-Mail Newsletter
for Bench Jewelers
May 2007
Volume 8 Issue 5 circulation over 4,700
****************
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the 2008 Bench Jewelers Conference & Expo has been moved to
note of these new dates. More details on the 2008 Bench Conference will be available in September.
****************
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<=> <=> ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER <=> <=>
E-BENCH is a FREE monthly newsletter for Retail
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Platinum Guild
International
and Bench Media Presents:
BENCH
SEMINARS
Two Great Days of Learning by Two of the Industry Foremost Seminar Leaders;
Locations & Dates:
Go To: www.BenchSeminars.com for details.
THIS IS ONE SEMINAR YOU
WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!
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<=> <=> <=> TIPS FOR JEWELERS <=> <=> <=>
Tips for Jewelers Who Do Repairs
From Alan Revere
Did you know that you have a terrific stone setting tool in your medicine cabinet? That is right. Remember the free samples of dental floss that your dentist gives you after every visit? Well, even if you do not floss daily, here is a great use for them.
When setting stones in bezels, jewelers often have to periodically test the fit. This means placing the stone into the setting to examine how it rests and to determine whether modifications are needed. But what if the setting is too tight? Then the stone can get jammed in place and in some cases, such as when setting closed-backed bezels, it can be impossible to remove.
This is where dental floss can save the day. Before pushing the stone into the bezel to test the fit, place a piece of floss over the opening; it is so thin that you can still press in the stone and get an accurate fit. Now all you have to do is pull on the two ends of the floss, and out comes the stone, easier than pulling a loose tooth!
This tip is from 101 Bench Tips for Jewelers
written by Alan Revere and published
by
MJSA/AJM Press.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart settled down day after day to compose with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They did not waste time waiting for inspiration.
Ernest Newman
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
CLASP - A Convergence
of Jewelers
http://www.claspconvergence.com
Clasp is an innovative conference produced by
Media, Ganoksin (parent to the Orchid Forums),
Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of
(MJSA) and The Society of North American
Goldsmiths (SNAG).
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<=> <=> <=> COLORED STONES <=> <=> <=>
Learn all about Handling Colored Stones from
Gemstone Cutter
FLUORITE
One would think that the low hardness of fluorite (4) would preclude its use as a gemstone, but some of the TV networks that sell gemstones have managed to create a market for this material. Indeed, some of it can be quite beautiful. Fluorite is often associated with tin and lead deposits and is found worldwide at many locations. Usually it is seen as colorful banded cabochons, but more and more is being seen in faceted form. The color ranges from colorless through all shades of blue, purple, yellow, teal and green, rusty reds, and even pink occasionally. I was able to purchase a large quantity of clean minty blue-green fluorite in
will be carved and some faceted. There is even a Brazilian fluorite that changes color from blue to purple in different lighting situations.
Bicolor gems cut from strongly zoned crystals can be very beautiful and are
collector items.
Fluorite forms in nature most commonly as cubes. The octahedral shapes with shiny surfaces often seen at gem or mineral shows are actually pieces cleaved from the cubic shape; they are not crystals at all. This shape is easily developed with a sharp blow from a chisel or small hammer and, unfortunately, fluorites four directions of perfect octahedral cleavage do not disappear once the stones are set into jewelry.
The material is brittle and should always be handled gently. Avoid any type of heat, steam or the ultrasonic cleaner. A strong ultrasonic cleaner, even if the solution is cool, is capable of shattering fluorite. Clean gently in warm soapy water and keep your fingers crossed when setting it!
You can contact
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Do not put off for tomorrow what you can do today, because if you enjoy it today, you can do it again tomorrow.
James Michener
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United Precious
Metal Refining
United is a full service refiner for Gold,
Silver, Platinum, & Palladium. We specialize
in Refining for the jewelry Industry,
processing everything from sweeps to
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Technical assistance on all phases of
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United Precious
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Simply the Best
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<=> <=> Tips & Tricks from
It is not necessary to apply more tripoli or rouge each time the buff wheel is used. Apply the compounds when the results indicate it is needed.
DO NOT apply too much compound to the buff wheels. At 3,450 rpm, (the normal speed of polishing motors) a buff rotates 57 ½ times a second. That means every second you hold the rouge or tripoli bar against the spinning wheel you are applying 57 layers of compound to the wheel.
When polishing move the jewelry constantly. Holding it for too long in one position may cut undesirable grooves in the metal. The excessive cutting may also remove details and change the shape. Press the jewelry against the wheel, then move it downward, sideways, roll, rotate, and position it so that the wheel reaches all possible areas of the metal. This way all areas will receive uniform polish and the cross buffing will result in a higher shine.
Buff across solder joints rather than with the joint. Solder is softer than the surrounding metal. If you buff with the joint the solder will polish away quicker, leaving a groove in the metal.
Always hold the jewelry in a breakaway grip. Never interlock your fingers into the piece. NEVER PUT A RING ON YOUR FINGER TO POLISH.
Always roll up or button your sleeves, and wear an apron or smock to keep loose clothing away from the wheels. In addition, tie long hair back so that it cannot tangle up in
the wheel.
Use a face shield on your dust collector or wear safety glasses. The buffing room is no place for vanity, your eyesight is far more important.
Protect your lungs. Always wear a respirator. (The same applies to lungs as eyesight.)
Never take the polishing wheel for granted. Always keep your mind on what you are doing while polishing. If interrupted, stop polishing and turn the machine off. Then come back when you can concentrate on
polishing.
NEVER WALK AWAY LEAVING THE MACHINE RUNNING. Not even for a few seconds.
Always use a dust collector to keep the dust from blowing around the shop. The money received from the refiner will pay for it in a short time.
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
James 1:19
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
Jewelry Dealers
World Trade Network
http://www.JewelryDealersNetwork.com
<=> Bench Jeweler
Discussion Channel <=>
Ask questions, share tips, and take part in the
ongoing discussions, or just read and
take in
all the advice from many excellent
jewelers
from around the world.
Membership includes: Topical Discussion
Channels, including
Bench Work, CAD-CAM, Stone Setting, and many
more. You may buy, sell and trade on the
Buy/Sell Channels, Plus Much More.
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<=> <=> AT THE PLATINUM BENCH <=> <=>
Tips That Make Working With Platinum
or
Working at the Bench in General - Easier
from Jurgen J. Maerz CMBJ,
Director of Technical Education
for Platinum Guild International
http://www.pgi-platinum-tech.com
Selecting the proper fuel to work on platinum is of utmost importance. Do not use acetylene, since it has a high carbon content and expels carbon in the flame. The platinum will absorb the carbon leading to contamination and brittle castings.
Although propane, or LPG, is also a carbon- based fuel, it does not have the high carbon content that acetylene does, and therefore can be used for platinum. Be aware, though, that even when mixed with oxygen, propane does not burn as hot as hydrogen and thus requires more time to melt the platinum when casting. This longer melting time can lead to porosity caused by gas absorption or debris - a direct result of keeping the metal in the melting crucible too long.
The most efficient way to melt platinum is with hydrogen combined with oxygen. This fuel is carbon-free, and the high heat created by a proper hydrogen/oxygen mix melts platinum in seconds. But even with hydrogen, a proper flame is crucial: If it is too big, the flame will heat the surrounding crucible, adding to the melt time-and creating the same problems as those with propane. Use as much oxygen as necessary to make a relatively small but oxidizing flame.
All fuel gases are dangerous, and you should have a professional install your torch systems and fuel tanks. In addition, the regulator on the fuel tank should have a directional flow restrictor, which allows gases to leave the tank but not re-enter. For safety, use only regulators designed for the fuel you
are using.
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
Time is more value than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more
time.
Jim Rohn
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<=> <=> TAKE-IN NOT
TAKEN <=> <=>
Tips for jewelers taking in jewelry at the
repair counter.
Proper Take-In Procedures Help Everyone!
A single simple mistake during take-in can
erase several months
shop profits — and
dramatically impact the
entire stores
profitability. It may also destroy your good
name; a few unhappy
customers can give you a
reputation for mishandling
jewelry.
Be careful of customers jewelry while in your
possession. Always place it in the best safe
you have. If robbed it is harder to replace
customers jewelry, than
your own inventory.
Even if the value is lower, the difficulty in
finding suitable
replacements adds to the
importance of caring for
the jewelry.
Be careful when placing jewelry in envelopes.
Often jewelry is damaged further while stored
in the envelopes. Do not force envelopes into
a box for storage. This may bend or dent the
jewelry.
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
For over 60 years,
jewelry supplier, has provided quality
products, unsurpassed selection and
legendary
service to help professional jewelers
succeed.
* Gems & Findings division offers finished
jewelry, findings and gemstones
* Display & Packaging division offers
innovative display and packaging
* Tools division offers equipment and supplies
Call us at 1-800-545-6566 or visit us at
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible.
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<=> <=> WORKSHOP SAFETY
FOR JEWELERS <=> <=>
Workshop Safety Tips From
DERMATITIS
Dermatitis
is a group of skin conditions that
may often be contracted by
exposure to
chemicals and metals. It is a real hazard for
jewelers. I knew someone once whose dermatitis
got so bad that her hands
would begin to crack
and bleed when she walked into
a jewelry studio
and she had to give it up, in
her fourth year
of school.
Working
unsafely, dipping fingers into
solvents, cutting
oils for lapidary, mixing
investments with bare
hands and so on defat the
skin which then loses its
protection against
other chemicals and metals. Moving to
mechanical cleaning
methods (scotch brite
scrubbing) to reduce
chemical (soaps-even the
mild ones) exposure can help as
well.
It
has been suggested not to wear a ring in the
workshop because
dusts and chemicals tend to
get caught under the ring and
then react with
the skin more easily; as well
as getting caught
on things.
For more information on Workshop safety from
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/safety.htm
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<=> <=> QUOTE WORTH RE-QUOTING <=> <=>
I am a survivor – being a survivor does not mean you have to be made out of steel. And it does not mean you have to be ruthless. It means you have to be basically on your own side and want to win.
Linda Ronstadt
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<=> <=> <=> E-BENCH SPONSOR <=> <=> <=>
The
Ganoksin Project
www.ganoksin.com
The Gem and Jewelry Pre-Eminent Online
Resources. Open to the public
Free of
Charge.
A substantial library of articles,
publications, reports, and technical
data on
gem and jewelry related topics; as
well as a
sizable collection of art and jewelry
galleries, for both the casual
visitor and the
professional, also host the popular
Orchid
online forums for jewelers.
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<=> <=> Thank You for
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Visit often, as we will be making changes to
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for bench jewelers.
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Information provided in this document is
provided As Is without warranty of
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Copyrighted, 2007, BENCH MEDIA.
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