Cab 52 ~ Week 1

This is the first of my new project

CAB 52

It is a challenge to myself to design a bezel set cabochon in an original piece of  jewelry every week in 2012.  I plan to explore rings, pendants, earrings, pins and bracelets. 

I will be using handmade Artisan cabochons and beads.  

If you have a handmade piece you would like to be considered or you have created a design with a bezel setting, I would love to share your work 

Please email me HERE 

I will be purchasing the cabs/beads once I decide on the pieces to use...if you would rather donate them, I'll place a month long ad with your link/picture on the side bar.  

So this weeks cab setting has an interesting story... My daughter Angela saw a piece that I designed recently and wanted to do something similar...she took a 1.5" round disc cut a hole in the middle and stamped it with a cool sun motif ~ she etched the back side as well so it would be interesting to look at.  We decided to put holes in the disc and wire wrap around the edges....but this turned out failing miserably....she was totally discouraged and left it on the bench....She went away for a few days...and there it sat...I just kept glancing at it.   Finally I came up with a plan to surprise her....I cut the holes out to make sun rays....if you look closely you can see where they were...I bent the inside prongs up and down...... soldered the back to the front.....then set the glass cab inside the prongs and used my bezel tools to create a snug fit.  Using 16g brass wire  bent the whole length, I wrapped it around the piece weaving it in and out of itself.   Made a loop from the end of the brass and added a simple copper bail and over-sized ball chain necklace ~ 

I was totally thrilled and wrapped it up.....

She about cried when she opened it up Christmas morning....

She knew immediately that it was her piece! 

 I thought this would be a fun story to share...I hope you like my collaboration design! 

Goddess of the Sun Bezel Necklace 

Stop back every Wednesday to follow my progress! 

Many of the components I use are available on my Etsy page as well as the tools you'll need! 

Stop over and take a peek! Melinda Orr Designs  ~ Etsy

Every Friday I'll be posting a new tutorial or how to on metalworking and tools ...Come on back!