25 bezels in 25 hours…
This weekend I’m taking part in an exciting challenge to raise money for The Compassionate Friends. Every year, to celebrate their 250 volunteers, The Compassionate Friends invite their supporters to complete their own fundraising challenge. The only rule? It has to be based on the numbers 2 and 5! It’s called the TCF 2.5 Challenge.
my tcf 2.5 challenge
Over the course of this coming weekend, I’ll be challenging myself to make 25 bezels in just 25 hours! A bezel is a common way to set cabochon gemstones -ie gemstones that have a domed-shape top and a flat back. I love this type of setting, because it requires precision and an eye for detail, as well as plenty of patience. Here are the 14 steps I’ll need to take for each one:
Measure and cut the length of the silver I need to the exact circumference of the stone.
File each end of the silver using my mitre jig, so they’re completely straight and even.
Solder the two ends together, making sure the seam is completely tight and secure.
Shape the soldered setting, using a mandrel and nylon hammer, to make sure it’s a good fit for the stone.
Sand the top and bottom of the setting, so that it’s level and the right height for the stone.
Solder the setting to a backplate of sterling silver, making sure there are no gaps.
Saw off the rough edges of the backplate. These scraps will be saved for a different project, or refined into new sheet silver.
File and sand the setting so that it’s smooth and seamless. This process is repeated using two different files and six different grades of emery paper.
Solder the finished setting onto a ring shank, or pendant, or earring wires - depending on what it’s to become!
Sand the piece again - this time eight different grades of emery paper.
Tumble the whole piece for 20 minutes in my barrel polisher.
Set the gemstones using three different setting tools.
File and sand out any mars or nicks in the metal caused by the stone setting tools.
Polish using three different water-based polishing compounds.
Phew! It is a lot of work, and I could easily take a whole day just to make one bezel! So this really will be a challenge in more ways than one. As it’s a bank holiday this weekend, I’m going to allow myself three days between Friday and Tuesday to complete the challenge, spending 25 hours in total (but definitely not all at once!) I’ll make sure to schedule in plenty of breaks, exercise and sunshine in that time too!
what it means to me
But before I ask for your donations, let me tell you a little bit about The Compassionate Friends. They are a charitable organisation dedicated to the support and care of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents - by extending the hand of friendship and compassion, they offer direct support, foster understanding, and raise awareness.
Honestly, I wish I’d never heard about The Compassionate Friends. But over the past three years, dealing with the loss of my brother Adam, I’ve needed and appreciated their support. Sibling loss isn’t discussed much, or at all really. We’re told that our pain “isn’t as bad” as others’, or that we should “get over it by now”. The Compassionate Friends has created a community where sibling loss is recognised in all its unique, complex ways, and gives us space where we can find a sense of understanding from others who have sadly gone through the same thing. I’m so proud to be able to take part in this challenge, and give a little back to them.
donate now!
You knew it was coming! I would love your support for this challenge, and every penny you pledge will help The Compassionate Friends and their incredible volunteers continue their difficult but vital work. Please donate via my JustGiving page, and help me reach my target of raising £200!
Plus The Compassionate Friends are my chosen charity until the end of May, so for every order placed until then I will continue to donate £2 to them. If you’d like to treat yourself to some lovely jewellery while also supporting a great cause, just head over to my online shop.
But I know that not everyone can afford to donate or buy jewellery right now. Just as important is getting the message out there, so if you are able to share this blog to your social media, or amongst your friends, I would really love that. Let’s spread the word!
Thanks so much for reading, and wish me luck this weekend! I’ll be sure to let you know how I get on!