What a wonderful world this would be if I could create gorgeous jewelry and have it work out the first time.. every time. Sadly the life of a jewelry designer is not so black and white. Over the years I have learned so much from my mishaps. At least this is the way I choose to think of my mistakes. I am the eternal optimist. The pendant shown here has gone through several transformations before it emerged as an Azurite gemstone pendant with a Druzy quartz accent. This pendant started out with a petrified palm root gem. I was so excited to design with my newest find. I had multiple issues getting the bezel to solder in all areas. This should have been the red flag but I was determined to create using this gem.

The Azurite pendant saga continues

I finally got the entire bezel soldered. Success! or so I thought at the time. I proceeded to attach the backing so I could later add the sterling chain. The final step is to place the gem in the bezel (the frame). When I did this I realized that when I had soldered the bezel multiple times, I warped the backing so it was no longer flat. So now the gem would fit but pop out at the slightest urging.

I searched frantically for another gem that would fit the bezel. Anyone who has attempted this fix knows it is an impossible task. What I did find was this beautiful blue/green azurite gem. It was too long for the bezel BUT with a little creative changes I was able to make it fit. It looks great if I do say so myself. Had I not given you this saga you may not have known it was a colossal mistake.

Other ‘learning experiences’ along the way.

In addition to this saga of the pendant, I admit to the following mistakes.

Soldering the bezel to the base upside down. (cabs don’t fit that way)
Cracking the stone when fitting it into the bezel
Using too thin of a backing to allow for multiple gems
Inserting the gem before I had completely shaped and filed the bezel

and MANY MORE

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