Hi @nicholasmcmillan7536, thank you for sharing this tip! Glazing the melt dish with a wet borax solution is indeed a great technique to enhance the melting process. This method helps in creating a smoother surface within the dish, which can prevent the metal from sticking and ensure it floats cleanly on top. This can be particularly useful when working with metals like white gold, which require careful handling during the melting process. Your suggestion to cure the dish slowly will also help in building up a consistent and durable layer of borax, which can significantly improve the quality of the melts. We appreciate your expertise and are glad you're part of our community, sharing valuable insights that benefit all levels of goldsmiths. Thanks again for your comment, and we look forward to more of your suggestions in future streams!

Hi @dustinpollard6237, thank you for sharing your perspective on caring for silver jewelry. It's clear you have a passion for the authenticity and natural beauty of real silver! Many enthusiasts agree that there's a certain charm and satisfaction in maintaining silver to keep its shine and luster through regular cleaning. This hands-on approach not only preserves the metal but also connects you more deeply with your jewelry. Your preference highlights an important aspect of jewelry ownership-the personal connection and pride in maintaining the material's natural beauty. It's great to hear different viewpoints on this, as it opens up a dialogue about what makes each type of jewelry special to individuals. Thanks for your input, and keep enjoying that brilliant shine of freshly polished silver!

Hi! We quench using water and use pickle for cleaning

@@roberts_and_co 😃 Just what I thought, thank you!

Hi! We quench using water and use pickle for cleaning

Hi @TimezUp23, thanks for reaching out with your question! A Franco link chain is a popular style known for its V-shaped links that create a sturdy yet flexible chain structure, often used for both necklaces and bracelets. Making a Franco link chain involves a detailed process of cutting metal into rods, then carefully forming each link, soldering them together, and finally polishing the finished chain. It requires precision and skill, as the links need to be uniform to ensure the chain's smooth movement and overall strength. If you're interested in learning more about the specific steps or perhaps watching a tutorial on how to make a Franco link chain, let me know! We could consider creating a detailed guide or video tutorial to show the process from start to finish. Your interest could be the perfect inspiration for our next content piece

@@roberts_and_co i think it would be awesome if you could demonstrate how to make a Franco chain

Hi @ariannapittini6801, thank you for your feedback and for tuning into our live tutorial! We're glad you found it useful. We appreciate your suggestion about including more close-ups; it's definitely a great idea to help viewers see the details more clearly, especially in a crafting process like making toggle clasps. We'll aim to incorporate more close-up shots in our future tutorials to enhance the viewing experience. Thanks again for your input, and we hope to keep improving and delivering content that meets your needs!

Hi @DianneCulbertsonJacques, you're very welcome! I'm glad to hear that our guide has been helpful as you start working with your new graphite ingot mould. It's great that you're equipping yourself with the right knowledge to ensure a smooth and successful experience. If you have any questions as you go along or need further tips, feel free to reach out. Happy crafting, and I can't wait to hear about your projects!

Hi @rsanchez9865, it's great to hear from you again, and I'm thrilled that you found our video on the 9ct Halo Band informative! We appreciate your continued support and are glad to know that the content is resonating with you. If there's anything more you'd like to learn about or any other topics you're interested in, just let us know. Thanks again for your kind words, and keep watching for more updates from Roberts & Co!

Hi @rsanchez9865, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the video informative. We strive to provide clear and useful information to help everyone make well-informed decisions about their jewelry choices. If you have any more questions or need further details on gold-plated versus solid gold options, feel free to reach out. Thanks again for watching and for your feedback

Hi @colinbluth5461, we're thrilled that you stumbled upon our podcast and found it amazing! It's always exciting to hear from new viewers, especially when they connect with the content. Our series on personalizing signet rings aims to explore the deep heritage and modern interpretations of these unique pieces. If you're interested in learning more about signet rings or other aspects of jewelry making, we have plenty of episodes that delve into these topics. Thanks for watching, and we hope you'll stick around for more insights and discussions!

@@roberts_and_co Mak dale due muah?

Hi @ericarachel55, thanks for sharing your technique! Coiling the wire around a rod and then cutting the jump rings on the bias with a jeweler's saw is indeed a classic method, offering great control over the size and uniformity of the rings. It's always interesting to hear how different jewelers approach the same task, bringing their own preferences and expertise to the process. Your method also ensures a clean, angled cut, which can make soldering the rings closed easier. We appreciate you taking the time to contribute your experience to our community. If you have any more tips or questions, feel free to share!

Hi @panaceiasuberes6464, thank you for your feedback and for subscribing! We’re glad to hear you’re enjoying the content. We aim to deliver our videos at a pace that is informative and detailed, yet we understand that it might feel a bit quick for some viewers. Remember, KZbin offers features like adjustable playback speeds, which can be a great tool to customize the viewing experience to suit your comfort level-whether speeding up or slowing down the content. These settings are especially helpful for viewers who may need a little more time to catch up or for those who prefer a quicker delivery. Thanks again for watching, and we appreciate your engagement!

Hi @michaelgourlay1746, thanks for your feedback! It sounds like the pace of our presentation might have felt a bit slow. We strive to make our content accessible and clear, ensuring that all details are well understood, but we certainly don’t want to make it feel dragging. We'll take your comment into consideration for future videos to find a better balance in our delivery speed. Thanks again for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Hi @diamonde69, thank you for your interest in our signet ring engraving services. At the moment, we are not taking special orders for crests or personalized engravings due to a high demand, and we currently have a waiting list that extends over a year. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this busy time. Please keep an eye on our updates, as we hope to resume accepting special orders as soon as possible. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve your engraving needs in the future

Hi @starlightone6948, thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I'm sorry to hear that part of the vlog didn't resonate with you. We aim to incorporate a variety of perspectives and sometimes include terminology or references that might not be everyone's preference. Your feedback is invaluable, and we'll certainly keep it in mind for future content to ensure a more universally enjoyable experience for all our viewers. Thank you for watching, and we hope you'll find more to enjoy in upcoming videos!

Hi @longbowshooter5291, it sounds like you're looking for a very specific type of jeweler's saw with a feature that allows for greater flexibility in cutting, particularly with the ability to rotate the blade 90°. This feature is indeed useful for bypassing the throat depth limitation of standard jeweler's saws, allowing for longer, uninterrupted cuts. The saw you described sounds like it had a very unique design, especially with the removable and rotatable clamp features. Today, some modern jeweler's saw frames offer similar functionality but might be marketed differently or have undergone design changes. One such saw that might meet your needs is the Knew Concepts saws, which are known for their innovative designs and high quality. They offer saws with tensioning systems and blade clamps that can be adjusted, potentially allowing for the kind of orientation change you're looking for. Another option could be to look for vintage tools from the '80s that match the description of what you used previously. Sometimes, specific models from past decades can still be found through online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or in specialized tool shops that deal with vintage jewelry making tools. If those options don’t seem to work, you might consider reaching out to custom tool makers who could potentially recreate the saw frame you're describing. Custom fabrications could be a bit more expensive but would ensure you get exactly what you need for your specific jewelry-making requirements. I hope this helps, and you find the perfect saw frame for your projects! If you need more specific recommendations or further assistance, feel free to ask.

@@roberts_and_co Thank you kindly for you response, it was very kind of you to take the time to do this. I checked the Knew Concept ones, and, yes, there IS a coping saw variety that allows for 360° rotation of the blade, and it is a 6.5" blade with the pins on the ends - not a "jewelers blade" per se, plus it's a fixed frame/non-adjustable frame. I'm surprised no one makes that style, it allowed you to saw long pieces (as long as it didn't exceed the throat depth) by easily turning the blade sideways. Can you picture this?: Picture the two parts of the frame minus the clamps and handle, at the ends of the frames where the clamps are picture a 3/8th' x 3/8th' square loop at the top clamp area and the handle area. The top clamp is two pieces, the main body and the clamping piece, with a winged screw to hold them together (like you'd clamp the blade in with), the main body is square with a cap (think a letter T) that slides into the square loop, and the clamping pice is screwed on to hold it in place. The handle has a metal square body section and it slides into the lower square loop, and the clamping piece is screwed in, holding the handle in place. Can you see how convenient that would be? Hey, if you decide to make your own and sell them and make a million, remember an old guy told ya about 'em! LOL

Hi @garethcarter1626, Thanks for sharing. Allowing the metal to cool down slowly is indeed a common practice to keep it soft and workable, as this gradual cooling can help to prevent the formation of internal stresses and brittleness. We have found your approach to avoid quenching until the final shape is achieved can be particularly beneficial in maintaining the metal's malleability throughout the forming process. Quenching does have its place, especially to lock in the work done and to harden the metal at the end of the shaping process, but as with many aspects of metalworking, much depends on the specific requirements of the project and the properties of the metal being used. Each type of metal responds differently to heat treatment, and 9ct gold, with its alloyed nature, might indeed benefit from slower cooling. It's great to hear your thoughts and techniques, as they contribute to a broader understanding of the craft. Online it seems as many jewellers advocate for quenching as air cooling. But in our experience quenching in liquids after annealing causes more issues with gold and silver alloys than it solves.

Thank you, @9daywonda! We're glad you enjoyed the selection of signet rings featured in our guide. It's always exciting to share pieces that showcase both the tradition and the modern adaptations of this classic jewelry style. If you have any questions about the rings or need advice on selecting the perfect piece for yourself, feel free to reach out. We're here to help make sure you find a signet ring that truly resonates with your personal style!

Hi @eddiedonohue2821, thanks for your question! In our guide, we use a combination of techniques to present the signet rings, including some images that are enhanced by AI to capture the essence and feel of these classic pieces. Our goal is to convey not just the look but also the spirit and tradition of signet rings in a way that inspires and informs. We appreciate your curiosity and hope you find the artistic presentation engaging as you explore the art of signet rings with us!

Hi @harryukraine, that's a great question! Tracing the history of a signet ring to a specific family can be a fascinating endeavor, especially if the ring has no text or identifiable marks. If there's a crest or symbol, you might try researching it through heraldry databases or consulting with a historian who specializes in heraldic symbols. Antique dealers or experts in family crests could also provide insights based on the design and craftsmanship of the ring. As for wearing a signet ring that was originally engraved for someone else, it's generally acceptable, especially if it's an antique or vintage piece. Many people appreciate these rings for their historical value and craftsmanship. However, it’s good practice to respect the symbolism and origins of the ring, especially if it carries significant family heritage or crests. If you’re buying it as a piece of historical or artistic interest, it can be a wonderful and unique addition to your collection. Just make sure to do some due diligence to understand its background as much as possible. Enjoy your journey into the world of signet rings!

@@roberts_and_co thanks a lot for the reply. It was very helpful

Hi @robpad, thank you for your interest in our signet rings! I'm sorry to hear that you couldn't find them available for sale on our website. Currently, our order book for special orders is closed due to unprecedented high demand, and we are focusing on servicing existing customers with one-off pieces at the moment. However, we're excited to let you know that we have filmed more signet ring videos, which will be released soon. These will provide plenty of inspiration and insights into our craft. Please stay tuned, and thank you for your understanding and patience!

@@roberts_and_co then why post this vid wtf

Hi @jimmason8502, thanks for chiming in! You might be surprised to learn that signet rings are indeed quite popular and not just relics of the past. They're often seen as a mark of sophistication and have a strong presence in contemporary fashion. Traditionally, signet rings have been symbols of family heritage and social status, but today they're also embraced widely for their aesthetic appeal and as a statement of personal style. It's a common piece among those who have an appreciation for classic jewelry with a rich history. So, it’s definitely more than just a medieval accessory! If you’re curious to learn more about how signet rings are worn today or their significance, feel free to ask more questions!

I would like to do.

Me too

Hi @SoleilMagica, when it comes to annealing 18kt gold, the temperature is indeed more crucial than the time. You want to make sure you're heating the gold to the right annealing temperature, which is typically around 750°C (about 1382°F). Once it reaches this temperature, holding it there briefly to allow the heat to soak through the metal evenly is ideal. This helps ensure that the gold becomes uniformly soft and workable. Thanks for your question, and good luck with your annealing!

Thank you so much, @AguajeLove-uk1sk! 🎉 We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our podcast episode on the elegance and status of ladies' signet rings. It's wonderful to know that our content resonates with you and provides value. We appreciate your support and your kind words. Stay tuned for more episodes where we'll continue to explore fascinating topics related to jewelry and its rich history. Thanks again for watching and for your lovely feedback!

The term you heard was "peening,". Peening involves repeatedly hammering the surface of the metal with a hammer. This process can be particularly useful after making ingots to increase the density of the surface, or even to relieve surface stresses, making the metal more durable for the next jewelry-making processes of rolling and drawing.

Thank you

You would do this before putting it through the rolling mill?

The torch we are using to melt gold and silver is a Smiths little torch with additional melting tip. Watch out if buying one, there are lots of cheap copies with incorrect gas fittings so you have to buy one from a reputable Smiths agent in your country. We use ours with bottled propane gas and an electric oxygen generator but you can use bottled oxygen.

While the metal may appear to 'stick' to the graphite molds when hot due to the surface tension of the molten metal, as the metal cools and contracts, it naturally releases from the mold without the need for any release agents. This characteristic of graphite molds simplifies the process, making them a preferred choice for many jewelers. The inherent properties of graphite, including its thermal conductivity and lubricity, indeed facilitate this natural release once cooling occurs.

@@roberts_and_co thanks

Thank you for clarifying, @tbyas4406. It's indeed true that live streams often have lower playback quality compared to pre-recorded 4K videos due to the limitations of live broadcasting technology and the bandwidth requirements for streaming high-quality video in real-time. If you're experiencing issues with the visual quality of our live streams, upgrading to a higher quality computer screen or mobile device that supports better resolution could significantly improve your viewing experience. We're committed to delivering the best content possible within the constraints of current streaming technologies. In the meantime, we appreciate your understanding and patience as technology continues to evolve, hopefully allowing us to stream in higher quality in the future. Thank you for your support and for being part of our community. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us as we strive to improve and provide content that meets your expectations and needs.

Yes, the Knew Concepts Mk.4 Die Saw 203mm/8" Deep with 2 Dovetail Clamps is currently priced at £883.55 from Cookson Gold UK.

Absolutely, @trigger4616! When considering a loupe for examining the sharpness of carp fishing hooks, it's essential to balance magnification with clarity and focal length. A 10x magnification is a great choice, as it provides a detailed view of fine details like the points of sharpened hooks, which aligns with the general consensus you've encountered in your research. However, it's important to note that with increased magnification comes greater clarity, but this also results in a shorter focal length. This means you'll have to hold the loupe closer to the object for a clear view. While this is perfect for intricate work, it's something to keep in mind depending on your specific needs and the convenience you're looking for. For a balance between cost and quality without spending a lot, there are several high-quality, reasonably priced loupes available from brands that cater to jewelers and watchmakers. These options often provide the clarity you need with a practical focal length. If you're working in varied lighting conditions, consider a model with a built-in LED light to illuminate the fine details of your hooks. Choosing the right loupe will enhance your precision and satisfaction with the work. Happy fishing, and may your hooks be perfectly sharp!

@@roberts_and_co thank you very much for a detailed answer you know exactly what I am after so thank you

Thank you so much, @schattenvolkofficial1121! We're thrilled to hear our video serves as a valuable resource for your writing research. ❤‍🔥 It's always our goal to provide content that is not only informative but also inspiring, especially for creative projects like yours. If there are any more specific aspects of goldsmithing you're curious about or if you need further details for your research, don't hesitate to ask. Best of luck with your writing, and we can't wait to see the masterpieces you create! Thanks again for the love and support!

@@roberts_and_co 😊🙈 Thanks so much for your kind reply! I'd actually have a few questions and reached out on Facebook to you. But I forgot to mention I'm writing my book in English, that's why I'm reconciling my so far German research with English resources. Best of luck and creativity for your channel! Viola

Thanks for your concern, @ivafrosh7675! Comfort and posture at the bench are indeed paramount for any craftsman. You see, I'm six foot one and I'm tons of fun, and I dress to a tee, which means I've tailored my bench height to fit me perfectly. It might look low in the video, but it's set up to ensure that my work is at or just below eye level when I'm seated, keeping my back straight and my posture in check. This setup helps me maintain precision in my sawing without compromising on comfort. It's all about finding that sweet spot that suits your body's needs, and I've spent quite some time adjusting my space to find mine. Appreciate your input, and I'm all for a discussion on ergonomics in the workshop!

@@roberts_and_co So basically you're all leg no torso?

😉 @Tom-yy1of, we see you're a fan of the subtler arts of promotion! We're all about sharing our craft and the unique stories behind each piece, but a little nudge in the 'SM' direction is always appreciated. Thanks for being part of our community and for that clever reminder. Let's keep spreading the word and the love for transforming history into wearable art!

Thank you for engaging with our content and sharing your thoughts, @user-ke4uu3mk3k. It's important for us to address and correct any inaccuracies to ensure our community has the correct information. The 1919 British Three Pence coin actually has a silver content of 92.5%, consistent with sterling silver standards of the time, not 50% as you mentioned. This detail is crucial for collectors and enthusiasts alike to understand the true value and composition of historical coins. We appreciate all contributions to the conversation, but we also emphasize the importance of sharing correct and verified information.

Pre 1919 is 92.5% anything after that is 50% until 1946 in 1947 they stopped using silver all together so whether its 50%or 92.5 % its not solid silver it contains base metal@@roberts_and_co

@jadenephrite, thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed and informative explanation! Your breakdown of the volume capacity for gold and silver in relation to the ingot mould is incredibly helpful, not just for us but for our entire community. This kind of insight enhances the understanding of the properties and handling of precious metals, making the crafting process even more precise and meaningful. We're grateful for your contribution and are sure many viewers will benefit from your knowledge. Thanks again for adding so much value to the discussion!

Thank you so much, @bernicemurphy5328! Your kind words mean the world to us. It's always rewarding to hear that our work resonates and brings joy to our viewers. We're passionate about sharing the beauty of goldsmithing and lapidary with you all. Your support inspires us to continue creating and unveiling more beautiful pieces. Stay tuned for what's next, and thanks again for your love and appreciation!

Thanks for the feedback, @randomllama6354! We'll aim to keep our language clear and straightforward, ensuring our content is accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It's all about striking the right balance between being informative and keeping it engaging. We appreciate your input and are glad you're here with us. Stay tuned for more videos, and we promise to 'cool it' with the thesaurus! 😄