This is my first attempt at making a cuff bracelet using heavy gauge wire. The prong wires fit between the three bracelet wires to separate them slightly around the stone. I had to glue the stone in for insurance, as the prongs themselves won't hold the stone for long. I could add a prong wire on each outside edge to make four more prongs.... and, ya know, that is a good excuse to make another one!
I learned a few things this time around and unfortunately the bracelet mandrel broke off the bench Bob made for me after just a few forming taps. It is a wooden furniture foot with a screw at the top that just isn't long enough even with a ton of glue to hold it on the bench with all the banging needed to form these things, and it really needs to be a tad bit thinner anyway. We'll need to figure out a more secure attachment or just spend the money on a real mandrel and clamp. I've been holding out in hopes of finding a wooden baseball bat, which would be the perfect size, but they don't seem to be made of wood these days. Well, no more bracelets until this is solved.
