Making this necklace was challenging, as I had never set a faceted stone like this before. Through the process, I learned that prongs can simply be wires that hold a stone in place, and I’m looking forward to learning more about how they work and perhaps making them more successfully.
The prongs broke off at least three times while I was pushing them into place. I ended up remaking the settings twice for both stones, as it was better to start from scratch than try to repair the broken ones. Once the settings were finished, I attempted to solder the jump rings connecting them to the chain. Unfortunately, the chain did not take the heat well and eventually broke, so I went through an entire chain for this project as well.
I did not make the chain; it is a purchased sterling silver rosary from which I removed the religious charms. I then made the sterling silver settings that encase the marquise-cut topaz stones.
I’m ecstatic to have completed it. I enjoy technical assignments like this because they give me the opportunity to challenge myself and see if I can too make that metal.