The Art of Metalsmithing
Your place with free jewelry metalsmithing tutorials. Hi! My name is Basia, I'm a self-taught jewelry metalsmith. Here you'll find videos teaching you how to get started with jewelry metalsmithing, lots of tips & tricks videos, studio vlogs and more! Whether you're a hobbyist or someone interested in turning this into a creative career, I hope you'll find something for yourself here, that will motivate and inspire you on your own artistic journey.
You can contribute to creation of the regular content by becoming a Channel Patron. Every pledge, single or monthly, means the world to me and supports the channel!
www.patreon.com/stardustmine
Let's connect!
My website & shop: www.stardustmine.art/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/basia.stardustmine/
Pinterest: pinterest.com/stardustminejewellery
Love, Basia x
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⚒ Stardust Mine, artisan jewellery handcrafted by Barbara Adamiec ⚒
The Art of Metalsmithing
Let's have a little quiz! What is asterism in gemstones?
6 days ago | [YT] | 8
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The Art of Metalsmithing
Have you ever wondered why your sterling silver looks white and matte after you take it out of the pickle acid after soldering? It’s easy to assume something is still on the surface, like flux, residue or some sort of oxidation, but in reality the surface itself has changed.
Sterling silver contains copper, and copper oxidizes much faster than silver when heated. During pickling, those copper oxides are dissolved, while silver is left behind. After heating and cleaning (especially over several soldering stages), a very thin silver-rich layer forms on the surface. Because that layer is porous and hasn’t been compacted yet, it scatters light instead of reflecting it, which is why the silver looks white and “frosty” straight out of the pickle.
You can bring back the shine by brushing, burnishing, or even light polishing. But what's interesting to note is that this doesn’t remove this layer - it compresses and densifies it, turning that soft, matte surface into a reflective one 😀
This effect is called depletion gilding. It’s not a flaw, bad pickle, or over cleaning, it’s a completely normal part of working with sterling silver. That white silver fresh from the pickle is essentially a very thin skin of near pure silver.
It’s also worth noting that silver doesn’t have to turn white to be clean. Some pieces barely show this effect at all, depending on how much heat they’ve seen, the alloy, or even the condition of the pickle.
Remember, that the white surface isn’t a cleanliness test, but one of the side effects that only shows up under certain conditions. It is really pretty though, isn't it 😍
Love,
Basia ❤️
1 week ago | [YT] | 120
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The Art of Metalsmithing
Hi Friends! I have a question for you! Where do you check out YouTube the most??
1 week ago | [YT] | 12
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The Art of Metalsmithing
Thank you so much for your views and comments on my latest video! https://youtu.be/e69yqciGMtQ Today is a very gloomy day, so I thought it was a perfect day to spend some time in a cozy café and catch up on your comments 🥰
The collection launch went super well, there are still many lovely pieces in the shop if you're interested in checking them out!
www.stardustmine.art/collections/rings
5 months ago | [YT] | 101
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The Art of Metalsmithing
New video on Tuesday! Advice on finding repeat customers, when to start selling after getting started with jewelry, how to start with a low budget, procrastination and more!
Several questions touched on very interesting subjects, so I've decided to turn them into a separate video with tips, I think a lot of you would benefit from that info, so stay tuned!
6 months ago | [YT] | 50
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The Art of Metalsmithing
Ask me your questions and I will share my responses in the video! Metalsmithing, jewelry making, running a small business, creativity or even something personal. If there's anything you're curious about, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer :)
6 months ago | [YT] | 69
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The Art of Metalsmithing
When do you think Ethiopian opal was discovered?? 😁
7 months ago | [YT] | 22
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The Art of Metalsmithing
Sorry Friends, no new video today! It's almost finished, but the collection kept me so busy, I had to push the video to Monday. It shows the process of creating this latest collection of jewelry pieces inspired by Monet's art 🩷 I'm also sharing some tips, how my process is changing, new patina etc. Also, there's still several jewelry pieces left in the shop! 🥰 www.stardustmine.art/collections/necklaces
8 months ago | [YT] | 235
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The Art of Metalsmithing
First look at Monday's offerings! 💐 Still need to attach chains, but the first batch of new collection, Colours of Monet is ready!
I revisited some older designs and mixed them with brand new ones for this collection. The main theme is, of course, colours of Monet's artworks, but I couldn't resist following another one, which is of my favourites - florals! Perfect to welcome the new season.
The shop will be updated on Monday, March 24th at 10am PST - 1pm EST
This time it's necklaces, but rings and earrings will be included in the second part of this collection 💐
I hope you love these pieces as much as I do!
This week I'll post a vlog that shows the process of creating this collection.
Love, Basia x
9 months ago | [YT] | 365
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The Art of Metalsmithing
If there is anything you struggle with and could watch a tutorial that would help you with that thing, what would it be??
9 months ago | [YT] | 92
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