Wire Loop?

[Lush!]

I think we've discussed something like this before ... sorry! ... but I've been asked to make an open heart focal - and then make it up into a necklace, with a couple of toning bumpy beads.

I'm going to have a go at adding a small wire loop while the heart is still molten in the hope that the glass will fuse the loop into place - but I've no idea if it will work!

The wire needs to be silver (colour) or black, so no point trying copper - but does anybody have any suggestion what kind of wire is likely to withstand the temperatures?

This is the kind of focal bead I'm talking about.

[Fired Silver]

Julie, I have no idea about this from a lampworking point of view!!!

However, I use these a lot in my PMC work



The prong part sinks into the clay, leaving the loop exposed.  It's fine silver.

If you think it might work. I could send you a couple to try.

Rebecca

[Lush!]

Ooh that looks fab, but the prong is rather long - do you think it could be cut down?

[Fired Silver]

Julie, yes normal wire cutters are fine.  I do that if I don't have the space for the whole prong.

Do you want to try it??  PM me your address if you do

Rebecca

[Lush!]

I'd love to - thanks!

PM on its way 

[Les]

OOoo..... do you sell these Rebecca

xx

[Fired Silver]

Yes Les I do!!

It's 4mm round with a 2mm hole, there is a smaller size too, from memory it's a 1mm hole, but the pesky things have disappeared into thin air!!  I really need to sort out my stock and workspace!!

Rebecca

[Pat from Canvey]

Silver melts at a lower temperature than glass so I expect you'll end up with melted silver on your heart bead. Have a look at
http://www.kitco.com/jewelry/meltingpoints.html
Why not make a wrapped loop once the bead has been annealed. A video is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of_6Cdqtj8g
That way, you don't run the risk of spoiling the heart bead whilst the glass is soft.