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Author Topic: Soft stones and jewelry shot...  (Read 2587 times)

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LadyDarkKitten

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Soft stones and jewelry shot...
« on: June 29, 2016, 11:40:46 AM »

I'm curious about the effects of stainless steel jewelry shot on soft stones that bruise easily such as opal. If I tumble jewelry that features softer stones should I include plastic or ceramic medium in the barrel to reduce bruising or will it be okay to just use jewelry shot?
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My names Amanda, I'm a wire wrapper and rock enthusiast

Glenn

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Re: Soft stones and jewelry shot...
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2016, 07:14:27 AM »

I find that sand isn't to hard on metal, not sure about for opal though.

Orrum

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Re: Soft stones and jewelry shot...
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2016, 08:50:16 AM »

I put silversmith pieces turquoise in stainless shot in a Loto to clean it up.
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mirkaba

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Re: Soft stones and jewelry shot...
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2016, 09:36:35 AM »

Opals don't bruise. They just break. I have actually tried Opals (lower quality) in a vibe with Porcelain beads and they survived. I would not recommend it though as it is a crap shoot. Plastic pellets will burnish but will take a very, very, very long time. Best to finish up your silver before setting and keep the soft and fragile stones out of the burnisher.
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LadyDarkKitten

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Re: Soft stones and jewelry shot...
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2016, 09:50:39 AM »

Opals don't bruise. They just break. I have actually tried Opals (lower quality) in a vibe with Porcelain beads and they survived. I would not recommend it though as it is a crap shoot. Plastic pellets will burnish but will take a very, very, very long time. Best to finish up your silver before setting and keep the soft and fragile stones out of the burnisher.

Good info, thanks. I'm actually a wire wrapper, so the jewelry shot is to help harden the wire and burnish. I usually work in dead soft, I guess when working with opals I'll get half hard wire.
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My names Amanda, I'm a wire wrapper and rock enthusiast
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